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Another business in downtown Missoula is slated to close in 2010. Moose Creek Mercantile owners said they saw too big of a drop in business in 2009.

The store opened 13 years ago and current owners Gary and Linda Birket have had it for six years.

The Birkets said in this economy, shoppers are losing interest in home decor.

"In these hard times, they really aren't buying that much of an item to put in their home," said Gary Birket. "They're trying to feed their kids and buy groceries."

The couple plans to sell down to the bare walls before closing Moose Creek Mercantile once their lease is up in the spring.

With the store closing, nearly 40 local artists will also be looking for another spot to sell their work.

Birket said he'll always remember the good times they had watching their customers.

"We're gonna miss the people lookin' at the moose and laughin' out front and gettin' their pictures taken and sharing those memories with their families over the years," he said. "It's just been a fun experience, but it's just time to move on."

The Birkets plan to move the signature wooden moose to the front porch of their home.

Then the couple plans to spend more time seeing the sights of Montana they've been too busy to see while running the business.