Clothing vandalized in Romanza

First Romanza was hit by a burglar, now merchandise inside the Market St. shop has been damaged. In an email to us, owner John Sterlin told us that nightgowns, shirts, jackets and bathrobes had been stabbed, causing nearly $750 in damage.

“We were just heart-sick that someone would do this. In this difficult economy where our sales are at their lowest in our ten year history, to have someone do this type of thing is just inconceivable,” Sterlin said. The first piece of clothing was found with a puncture running from the front through the back. Over the next several days, clothing on four different sales racks in separate areas of the store were found in the same condition. Sterlin said he’s experienced an increase in shoplifting, as well. “With all the recent business break-in’s, burglaries, shoplifting, and vandals in Ballard, it’s feeling very difficult to thrive,” he said.