Hardin County Business News: Ruffle Girl Retiring, Etown Comics Expands

Key Takeaways

• Ruffle Girl (Radcliff) closing — owner Wendy retiring after building a national brand from her home; going-out-of-business sale active now, everything $5
• Party Plus closing after 30 years — owner Janine retiring; no official closing date, shop while supplies last
• Bath & Body Works at the mall temporarily closing for renovations — coming back bigger this summer, visible from Dixie
• Wishing Well Nutrition not renewing lease at 4601 N. Dixie — consolidating, not fully closing; still taking party/boutique bookings
• Etown Comics open in a new, larger location next to Xtreme — more tables, gaming room, card tournaments already running
• Bloom Bakery new hours: closed Mon/Tue, open Wed–Fri 6:30 AM–3 PM, Sat–Sun 9 AM–3 PM
• Laker on Dixie downtown now open 7 days/week, 11 AM–6 PM, breakfast until 1 PM

Summary

Nate Bryan was back live at the table for S2026E11 after last week's pre-recorded segment, and he brought a weighty round of business news with him. Two beloved Hardin County businesses announced retirements this week — Ruffle Girl in Radcliff and Party Plus — each with decades of community history and owners who built something worth celebrating on their way out. On the growth side, Etown Comics opened a significantly expanded location with more space for gaming and community events.

The closings this week are not tragedies — they are the natural end of good runs, told with respect by Nate and the hosts. Ruffle Girl's owner Wendy started from her home and built a national following. Party Plus's Janine ran a 30-year shop and is now hitting the road in a camper. Both deserve a proper sendoff from the community.

Full Article

Nate Bryan was welcomed back to the live table on S2026E11 after last week's pre-recorded segment, and the show's energy visibly picked up with him there. "I come back and it's like gas is $3.11," Nate quipped when referencing how much can shift in a week. "I'm not sure what you all did while I was gone, but stop it."

He had plenty to cover. This week's Business Buzz leaned heavy on closings — but as Nate framed it, several of these are not losses. They are chapters ending well.

Ruffle Girl: A National Brand Built from Home

The biggest story of the week is Ruffle Girl in Radcliff. Owner Wendy is retiring and closing the shop, and the community response in the Facebook comments made clear how much it meant to people.

Wendy started the business from her house. She built it into a national brand with thousands of loyal followers across the country, then moved it into the business park in Radcliff. Nate, Scott, and Britten — all with ties to Radcliff — spoke to the respect she built over the years. "She started in her house, became a national brand with thousands of followers," Nate said. "She did it the right way."

A going-out-of-business sale is running now. Everything in the store is $5 regardless of what it is. There is no official closing date — when the inventory runs out, the doors close. If you have a little girl in your life or want to grab something before it is gone, go soon.

Party Plus: 30 Years and a Camper Waiting

Party Plus, located in the old Walmart/Planet Fitness center near the bowling alley, is also closing after 30 years in business. Owner Janine is retiring and has a camper that has been waiting long enough.

Nate shared a personal connection: "That's where I got my engagement banner back in 2013." He is not alone. Party Plus has been the go-to for balloons, helium, and specialty party supplies for three decades of Hardin County celebrations. "I've worked with them before. Fantastic," he said.

Like Ruffle Girl, there is no official closing date on Party Plus either. They are not ordering new stock, so when what is on the shelves is gone, it is gone. If you have an upcoming event and need party supplies, balloons, or helium, it is worth stopping in while you still can.

Bath & Body Works: Coming Back Bigger

Bath & Body Works at the mall is temporarily closing — but this one is a move, not a closing. It is actually the third time they have relocated due to the ongoing mall renovations. They will reopen this summer in a larger space that will be visible from Dixie Highway. For a store that has been tucked inside the mall for years, that is a meaningful upgrade.

Nate noted that other stores going through the same mall renovation process — including Victoria's Secret — are also expected to end up in larger, street-facing locations when the dust settles. Bigger square footage means more inventory and more of what loyal customers come in for.

Wishing Well Nutrition Consolidating

Wishing Well Nutrition at 4601 North Dixie Highway, Suite 115 — near the bowling alley — is not renewing their lease. This is a consolidation, not a full closure. Nate explained they have added another area location and do not need two shops within five miles of each other. They are still taking party and boutique space bookings at the North Dixie location in the interim. Owner Lisa and the team are reorganizing, not disappearing.

Etown Comics Levels Up

On the growth side, Etown Comics is open in a new and significantly larger space next to Xtreme in Elizabethtown. This is their third location — they started in the mall, moved to a spot near Roses, and have now landed in a much bigger home. Owner Maxwell Erickson has more tables, more room for gaming events, and has already hosted card tournaments since opening. His wife's medical business is moving into the same area, and 12 Ninja Gym is also reportedly coming to the same stretch. Worth a visit and worth supporting.

Hours Updates Worth Knowing

Two local favorites updated their hours this week.

Bloom Bakery is now closed Monday and Tuesday. Wednesday through Friday they open at 6:30 AM and close at 3 PM. Saturday and Sunday they open at 9 AM and close at 3 PM. Nate put it simply: "Get there early — she closes at three."

Laker on Dixie downtown is now open seven days a week from 11 AM to 6 PM, with breakfast served until 1 PM. The downtown location is right across from the Historic State Theater and carries a different menu from the Stephensburg/Cecilia location. If you have been to one but not the other, it is worth the trip.