Some chains and types of businesses have seemed immune to the struggling economy. You rarely see a liquor store go out of business, even though the market seems saturated with liquor stores.
The same has generally been true of nail salons. That’s partially because, aside from rent, it’s relatively cheap to run a nail salon.
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And even when the economy is tight, people still like getting their nails done. It’s an affordable luxury that people may cut back on, but will not give up.
Not many businesses that fall into this category, but you could argue that vape stores and other businesses tangentially related to legal and sometimes illegal hobbies have traditionally done well, even in a bad economy.
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People aren’t going to give up whatever their addiction might be just because money is a little tight. In addition, these stores are often the center of a community.
That was certainly the case for a popular chain that catered to the smoking community, as well as the mixed martial arts world and the disc golf community.
Image source: Jared C. Tilton/Getty Images
This may be the only retail chain selling this mix of products
Yabba Dabbas was perhaps one of the more interesting retail chains seen in decades.
First, its name is both a tribute to its owner’s last name and Fred Flintstone’s nonsensical “yabba dabba doo” rallying cry. On “The Flintstones,” that was sort of Fred’s version of “hooray,” or “I’m excited.”
The retail chain was built around glass smokeware. It described its core product offering in a YouTube video:
“Yabba Dabbas has what you need to knockout pain and inflammation,” it shared as a bong inhalation noise played in the background with a variety of smokable CBD oils showing on the screen.
The ad, which was actually sponsoring Caged Aggression Martial Arts, also described the company as offering the “best selection of hand-crafted glass” while showing video of some very fancy bongs.
“High-end ready glass, Yabba Dabbas has it,” the ad continued. “The best flavors. Yabba Dabba has flavors.”
While bongs are often used to smoke marijuana, they can also be used for a variety of other smoking choices that are legal in all 50 states.
In addition to selling glassware and CBD, as well as sponsoring mixed martial arts (MMA) fights, Yabba Dabbas sold disc golf items.
It was arguably a one-of-a-kind chain and the owner, Heather Dabbas, has made a difficult decision.
Yabba Dabbas closing all locations
“I’ve made the decision to close Yabba Dabbas,” she posted on her personal Facebook page.
The decision was clearly not easy for her.
“Being a small business owner is such a wild ride. Never easy. I’ve been doing this for over 10 years. I’ve seen the industry change. The economy has changed. The way people live and shop has changed,” she shared.
The shutdown was not due to any one reason, but a number of them piling up.
“I can’t even explain the stress that comes along with being a retail store in the age of internet shopping, the competitors that keep opening across the street from me, every gas station carrying the same thing, new tariffs, taxes, and permits. Every day is a fight and I don’t want to fight anymore,” she added.
The chain consisted of four shops.
“In the process of owning and building these shops, I’ve met some amazing people. I’ve gotten to know incredible staff members. I’ve met countless customers who always made my day. I’m grateful to each and every one of you,” she added.
Dabbas does not consider the shutdown of Yabba Dabbas a defeat.
“I’ve had a lot of loss this year, but I don’t consider this to be one of them. I am at peace with my decision and am looking forward to focusing more on the things in life that bring me joy,” she shared.
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Many people responded to her post with positive remarks.
“Take some time to enjoy the little things and the normal people activities that us small business owners never have time to do. I’m sure you’ll definitely enjoy some down time! De-stress. That’s gonna be amazing! Best wishes on a successful liquidation, and here’s to the next chapter,” wrote.
Some were simply sad to lose the stores.
“I’ll miss Yabbas so much! Thank you for allowing me to be a part of that journey. One of the best places I’ve ever had the pleasure of working,” added Logan Wright.
Dave Johnson’s comments spoke for a lot of customers:
“I’m heartbroken and sad to hear this Heather I have loved and enjoyed going to your stores all locations in the Quad Cities all the employees there made me and my wife feel like family and I’ve become really good friends with a few of them and I just wish you and everyone at Yabba Dabbas the best in the future and I hope we can all stay in touch,” he posted.
