Closson's, the historic downtown furniture, art and interior design firm, might close one month sooner than it originally announced.

The furniture retailer said a month ago that it would shut down its downtown store of 137 years by March 31. Now, Closson's plans to close by the end of February.

Part of the reason for the earlier closing is that the retailer's furniture supply has dwindled from an ongoing liquidation sale.

The change also comes after Closson's management failed to broker a deal to stay open for the rest of the year.

The retailer asked Downtown Cincinnati Inc. to ante up a $5,000-a-month subsidy to stay open through 2003. Closson's argued that the subsidy would be more than repaid through earnings taxes and parking paid by its staff of 40.

However, DCI declined because Closson's would not agree to commit to a downtown store beyond 2003.

In April, Closson's will reopen its art gallery at Hyde Park Square, 2643 Erie Ave. Cloud 9, which now leases the space, will remain open with a smaller shop.

Closson's Montgomery store will remain open as the retailer seeks a new store site in the Hyde Park/Norwood/Oakley area.

Ken Alltucker