Amherst’s The Blue Marble to close after 12 years, new store Little Blue to open in Northampton
When Cathie Walz opened The Blue Marble gift shop in downtown Amherst in July 2007, she knew she was taking a risk. Businesses were closing in record numbers due to a looming financial crisis, and every store was feeling the pressure. Not to mention, her opening date was on Friday the 13th. “I opened this store knowing nothing about retail,” Walz said. “And this little shop was embraced by Amherst.”