Nearly 18 months after opening on East Maple Street, Sokushindo foot reflexology is slated to close at the end of next month, officials with the business say.
May Zhang and MingKun Song of Sokushindo, a reflexology parlor at 10 East Maple St. in New Canaan.
According to May Zhang, Sokushindo’s always-sunny receptionist, despite many customers who spread word about the unique Japanese service to friends and family, the rent was prohibitively high to make the business work.
“We love this town, have a good business in town and want to stay but for a lot of reasons, we can’t,” Zhang told NewCanaanite.com.
The reflexology chairs at Sokushindo, which combines Asian and U.S. traditions, the owners say.
A type of massage based on the principle that different parts of the body are connected to reflex points in the feet, hands and head, the word ‘Sokushindo’ is from the Japanese “Soku” meaning foot or leg, “Shin” heart, center or core, and “Do” a discipline or way.
The business opened late last April.
Zhang said she was eager to inform Sokushindo customers and gift card holders that they’re closing Oct. 31, so that they may redeem them.
It’s possible an area location could reopen in Norwalk in the future, she said.
Sokushindo is a member business of the New Canaan Chamber of Commerce.
“We are sorry to see them go because they provided such a unique service in town, and we knew they had a very loyal customer following,” said Laura Budd of the chamber. “But we understand business is business and the economics didn’t work for them. They were very nice and we know they were working very hard, but we understand that the economic model just did not support a New Canaan location.”