ROBERTSDALE, Ala. — It had all the trappings of a “going out of business” sale.

In fact, there was a big purple “going out of business” sign advertising the store’s merchandise at a large discount.

But wait. If all goes according to plan, The Silver Basket on Highway 59 in Robertsdale will reopen early August under new ownership.

That’s a wrench for GayNell Palmisano, the longtime owner of the Silver Basket.

It’s a double wrench for Palmisano to leave — the store was founded by her sister-in-law, Jeannie Ard.

“She had breast cancer,” said Palmisano, “and she asked me to keep it (the store) going.” Ard passed away in 2002.

The store got its start along County Road 104, and moved to its current location in 2004.

But, Palmisano has two other businesses, the first as an investment advisor in Daphne and the other is a dry wall company in Mobile.

“I have three businesses and none is recession-proof,” said Palmisano. “I just can’t split myself.”

So, reluctantly, Palmisano made the decision to close the store. She notified her staff, and the “going out of business” sign went up.

“Customers were devastated,” said Palmisano, “they kept asking ‘why?’”

The store has a customer list of over 4,000 and an e-mail list of at least 1,000, Palmisano said.

“The trouble is, if people are feeling the pinch, they aren’t coming in for gift items,” said Palmisano. “Business has been tough the last three years. The more big box stores that come in, the more local businesses feel the pinch.”

However, a little magic came in the door.

“Karen Bill came in and asked what it would take to keep the store open.,” said Palmisano.

Bill, Palmisano says, owns several businesses in Robertsdale. Bill did not respond to a phone request for comment.

“She’s not taking the company, but she’s taking the store, the customer list, the fixtures and location. She said this community can’t lose the Silver Basket.”

Palmisano added that she understands Bill will be trying to do the same thing she did in the store, provide customers with gift items, things that may have only been found by driving into Mobile or to larger cities.

Palmisano was also insistent that her store stock as many American-made items as possible.

She admits that got harder and harder as years went on.

“A lot of vendors have been forced to go overseas,” she said.

“I really don’t want to be negative,” Palmisano said “My goal was to keep business alive in the community. It was not an easy decision to make. We’ve had children grow up in the store.”

She added that the store has been generous with community fundraisers.

“We’ve donated thousands of gifts to raise funds,” said Palmisano. “There’s not a church, women’s group or a charity that hasn’t received something.”

Palmisano’s eyes fill when she speaks of leaving. When asked what she will miss most about the Silver Basket, she responded immediately,

“The people. The customers have been absolutely wonderful. They are all ages and all economic standards, and you become friends.”

Longtime employees Rebecca Tarnow and Ella Jane Davis will be staying on and other members of the store’s staff will be coming in on an “as needed” basis.