01/24/2026
To the people of Douglas and Cochise County,
When I first opened Tilted Luck Clothing Co. inside the historic Hotel Gadsden, it was personal. I was coming home. I believed in this town, its history, and most importantly, the people who make up this community.
The support from the community was strong from the beginning. Because of that support, in March of 2024 we moved into a larger storefront at 930 G Avenue. That move happened because the people of Douglas showed up, shopped local, and encouraged us to grow. It was an investment in this community, and I will always be grateful for that.
Unfortunately, running a small business here has continued to become more difficult.
For years, Douglas has been promised economic growth, especially through projects like the Commercial Port of Entry. We have heard about studies, plans, and job creation, but those projects remain delayed and unfinished. The jobs and increased business that were promised never arrived, and small businesses were left waiting while still trying to survive.
False hope hurts local businesses. Rent, payroll, utilities, and taxes do not stop while projects are studied or pushed back.
At the same time, downtown planning decisions, long construction timelines, and a lack of clear communication have made it harder for small businesses to operate. Too often, local business owners are expected to absorb the impact without having a real voice in the process. We complete surveys that seem to go missing, or our opinions are simply ignored.
Tilted Luck is not closing because the citizens of Douglas failed us. We are closing because ongoing delays, broken promises, and decisions that overlook small businesses made it impossible to continue.
I still believe in Douglas and its people. My hope is that future decisions focus on real action, transparency, and support for the businesses that are already here.
To everyone who supported Tilted Luck, thank you. You made this journey meaningful, and your support will always be appreciated. We are still available online at www.tiltedluck.com and in-store in Raymondville, Texas.
With gratitude,
Joseph Zajicek
Owner, Tilted Luck Clothing Co.
Once a Bulldog, always a Bulldog