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ROCHESTER, NY – “He said he had a gun, which we confirmed on camera that he had one. We told her to get down, stole the money from our register and then pushed her and asked her where more was,” said Shelby, owner of Little Button Craft Gift Shop.
The store is moving forward after the armed robbery. A small-key craft store was busted Thursday night after a man allegedly walked into the store, pointed a gun at an employee and stole thousands of dollars. The owner spoke exclusively to News10NBC’s Stephanie Dupree.
As a small business, the store operates on a staff of five people. One person runs the shop at a time. After the horrific robbery, the owner said she’s closed the store until the new year so her employees can recover and stay safe.
Shelby says her safe space has been violated.
“I immediately said we don’t have any openings for the rest of the year and I don’t want to make people work where they’re afraid, so I’ve given my employees paid time off to take time off and heal.”
Thursday night, an employee in the store was robbed at gunpoint. In the photos you can see money in his hand, and in this photo you can see him holding what appears to be a gun. Rochester police are investigating and working to identify him. The worker is fine, but shaken. Little Key’s mission is to be open and welcoming to everyone.
“We’re scared and hurt, but we’re still here to help as a neighborhood and community.”
While that is true, this robbery has changed the way business is conducted.
“We make sure we don’t have less than 2 employees at any given time, for now we only go cashless, I think it’s for the psychological safety of our employees.”
Shelby said thousands of dollars were taken. She says she hopes for justice, but at the same time she wants people to feel safe shopping in South Wedge.
“It’s a place where people can talk to each other and no matter who you are or where you come from, we welcome them and really bring them into our community.” Shelby added.
News10NBC has reached out to Rochester police for more information on the investigation. Still trying to identify the suspect. If anyone has information, they are encouraged to call police.
As for the store, it will reopen next week, January 4th.Th.
The store has set up a Venmo @LittleButtonCraft for anyone who wants to donate and support the small business.
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