Lazy Iguanas shutting down

Lazy Iguanas is going out of business and customers with a taste for the southwest will have to go elsewhere to buy their Mexican treasures.

The store will be shutting down for good in March but its inventory of interior and exterior home decor has to go before the shop closes for good on on McGregor Boulevard.

“I’m moving on to other things right now and I’d prefer to focus on my jewelry design,” said store owner Brigette Chandler, who sells her jewelry near the store’s cash register. “We’ve had great business but it’s just time to move on.”

The moving on means big savings for south Fort Myers customers looking for handmade and designed goods from Mexico. All items are on sale for 40 to 70 percent off.

“I think the style brings them back because we have so many interesting items,” said Chandler, who was introduced to the business through friends and has owned the shop for four years. “People really do enjoy the southwest look with earth tones and neutral colors.”

But the store also offers plenty of brightly colored accents including sinks, ceramic wall art and an array of Asian pottery.

“She’s got great merchandise, variety and she’s a pleasant lady too,” said Grace Duva, of south Fort Myers, who is a regular shopper at the store. “There is always something new and the prices are affordable.”

Duva said that she has decorated her house in Chandler’s earthenware and bright colored accessories.

“When my daughter comes to visit she always wants to visit Brigette,” Duva said. “She has things that aren’t cliche and I love decorating.”

Buying items for the store has always been a passion for Chandler especially when she gets good compliments from customers.

“We fly down to Mexico, buy everything and then drive the load to the store,” Chandler said about the many hours of driving she won’t miss once she closes shop. “The buying is fun but the driving (stinks).”