Vashon’s Dig-In to close on New Year’s Eve

Citing slow sales and a lingering recession, Dig Floral & Garden owners Sylvia Matlock and Ross Johnson are closing Dig-In, their artful, eclectic home furnishings store adjacent to their nursery. The store’s last day is New Year’s Eve. They opened the shop about four years ago.

Citing slow sales and a lingering recession, Dig Floral & Garden owners Sylvia Matlock and Ross Johnson are closing Dig-In, their artful, eclectic home furnishings store adjacent to their nursery.

The store’s last day is New Year’s Eve. They opened the shop about four years ago.

But the couple, who have been running their nursery at the site for more than 14 years, said Dig — a small but lively nursery with a dedicated following — will remain open.

“A lot of people think we’re going out of business. We’re just closing the store,” Matlock said.

The two-story home that houses Dig-In has been for lease for a couple of months. Matlock said they’ve had serious inquiries and believe it will be leased soon.

The store, a labor of love for the two businesspeople, offered up sophisticated home furnishings, including lamps, cookware, mirrors and unique household items. Matlock said people would come into the store “and dream and be inspired. But it’s not paying the mortgage.”

The decision to close the shop will enable the couple to put all of their energy into their nursery, located on a two-acre property they own across from Courthouse Square, Matlock said.

“We want to focus on what the Island wants,” she said.