After ten years in West Acton, Absolute Tile Marble & Cabinets has closed its doors. Owner Glaucia Rossi McKinney has been in the remodeling supply business for over thirty years, starting at Sudbury Granite where she learned everything about stone countertops and how to meet her clients’ needs. After working at several other large establishments, Glaucia became disillusioned with the corporate environment, and in 2007 she opened her own countertop shop in West Concord.
Soon she added a countertop fabrication operation on Craig Road in Acton, catering mostly to local contractors. In time, Glaucia expanded her business to include tile, cabinets, and lighting. After the Craig Road location was zoned for industry, she moved the retail part of her business to 583 Mass. Ave in West Acton near the intersection of Rt. 111 and Central St.
The stand-alone building allowed walk-in traffic, and Glaucia’s business grew to include both homeowners and builders. She treasured the relationships she forged with her clients. “I treat my customers the same way I’d like to be treated, and I believe 99% of the time I was able to accomplish that.” Then Covid arrived. The business was closed for three months but, with a sympathetic and supportive landlord, she was able to hold on. She did decide to sell the countertop fabrication equipment and downsize the retail business, and often worked alone.
With the retail space lease expiring and her husband finding an opportunity to work elsewhere, Glaucia decided to close the store. “It is very bittersweet for me because I have grown to love West Acton…The people are just so lovely and I really, really will miss them.” She will keep her business corporation going to service her existing customers remotely for a few more years. The couple will make their new home in Georgia.
Jeff Brown is the business beat reporter for the Acton Exchange.