Cheryl Jackson, founder and president of Silver Plume, said the Portland, Ore.-based importer and marketer of fine home furnishings will close on or before Oct. 1.

Jackson retained a business broker to seek out potential investors or buyers. Meanwhile, the company explores all its options and continues to fill customer orders from its inventory of finished goods.

The sluggish post 9/11 economy triggered cutbacks in consumer spending and combined with large retail customers purchasing directly from some of Silver Plume's suppliers as contributing factors in the company closing.

"The Silver Plume business model no longer supports this sudden shift in the market," Jackson said.

"Over the 20 years we have in been in business, immense satisfaction has come from providing uniquely creative and well-made products for our customers," she said. "I greatly appreciate the years of service we have had from our vendors, suppliers, sales reps, and most of all our employees."

When asked about her future plans, Jackson said her attention is on suspending operations and completing the life cycle of Silver Plume gracefully. "We have had a good run," she said.