FAYETTEVILLE, WV (LOOTPRESS) – Lost Appalachia Trading Co. located in Fayetteville closed its doors for the day on Jan. 30, citing a commitment to its stated values and concerns about recent events involving ICE.
This closure was part of the “National Shutdown” to protest ICE.
In a public statement, the store described its longstanding mission and the reason for the temporary closure.
“At Lost Appalachia, we have always tried to be a place of welcome and safety. A space where people with different beliefs can walk through the same door and feel respected, seen, and free from judgment.”
The statement continued, “Recent events have made us feel the need to be clearer about what that commitment means.”
According to the announcement, the business said it would be closed “in solidarity with marginalized communities and in quiet protest of overreaching authority and violence perpetuated by ICE.”
The statement added, “We recognize that not every small business has the flexibility to do this, and we do not take for granted that we are able to.”
The store emphasized that the closure was not intended to discourage dialogue.
“This is not about choosing conflict over connection or shutting down conversation. It is about being clear about the values that guide our space. It is about taking a pause,” the statement read.
Lost Appalachia also encouraged reflection among community members, stating, “We are asking you to take a moment to ask yourself what kind of community, country, and world you want to live in and help shape.”
