Spice Boys to close shop, go all on-line

After five years, the Spice Boys of the Rockies are closing up their "humble little spice boutique" at 301 West Eleventh Avenue and moving to an all-online shop at www.spiceboysrock.com.

"As the first specialty spice and tea store in Denver, we were definitely challenged to create a product line especially suited for the unique tastes of Coloradans," Cal Smith and Dave Citizen, the owners of Spice Boys, say in announcing the change. But as it turns out, that challenge was nothing compared to the challenge of surviving in the current economy.

"As with many other small local businesses, the current economy has hit close to home and we have had to make some drastic changes in the future of our business," they continue. "We have decided to move to a solely online business effective February 1, 2009...Many changes will come on our web site to accomplish this, and we will continue to strive to offer new spice combinations and keep you informed of the many exciting spices from around the world on our web site."

This month, as they prepare to move out of their physical space and into cyberspace, the Spicy Boys will offer a "Spice Sale" on both spices and store fixtures. For more information, e-mail Rckymtspicehouse@aol. -- Patricia Calhoun