Phoenix Rising is slated to close its doors for good in Port Townsend in February, but walk into the store’s corner building at 696 Water St., and you’re still likely to find owner Jill Spier chatting amiably with a clutch of customers in her distinctive New York accent.

Spier started Phoenix Rising in downtown Port Townsend in 1987, re-establishing it in its current location 25 years ago. She’s been meditating since 1984, and of all her business’ accomplishments, she’s proudest of having helped so many others find peace and enlightenment through meditation.

Spier helped teach meditation to the daughter of the man who originally taught it to her in India, where she still maintains a home. She said she still finds it heartwarming to see a customer purchase their first cushions, statues and crystals for meditating.

“What else are we even here for, if not to share our help and love with each other?” said Spier, whose store also stocks jewelry, clothing, music and a diverse assortment of books. Subjects range from spirituality and the supernatural to divination to self-improvement. “I’ve tried to provide supplies and an atmosphere that’s been healing for me.”

In the weeks since she’s announced the impending closure of Phoenix Rising, Spier reported she’s received an influx of at least 400 people, “way beyond what I’m used to,” who have taken the time to thank her and tell her how much her store has meant to them.

“One woman said she’s been coming here since she was 10 years old,” Spier said. “I’ve even been told my store is a destination for some people who visit Port Townsend, even though I always point out to them there are plenty of other great places to see here.”

Given how much effort Spier has expended over the years to ensure her shelves were stocked with useful and interesting materials for her customers, she’s felt wounded by the need to clear out her inventory. She said she wasn’t able to find a buyer for the business, and she can’t take her books with her when she moves to her new home in Sri Lanka.

“I looked for nearly two years, and even lowered the price, but in the end, just making the decision to leave regardless allowed me to breathe,” said Spier, who began visiting Sri Lanka six years ago.

She struck up a partnership with an organic farmer there, with whom she plans to start an orphanage and meditation center, as well as the next incarnation of Phoenix Rising.

Spier noted that her English-language books would not be likely to attract many buyers in Sri Lanka, which is why she’s discounting their prices so deeply now.

Spier described her new home town of Ella, in Sri Lanka, as similar to Port Townsend, in that it’s a tourist destination, “a place that people travel to rather than just passing through.” It is surrounded by natural beauty, “only with mountains instead of a coastline.”

Still, even though Spier has long split her time between Port Townsend and India, she credited the small Washington town with being more of a home to her than New York ever was.

“For 38 years, my home community has supported my mission and kept my business afloat,” Spier said. “I’ve always felt like I fit in here. This is a place that welcomes misfits, I think.”

Spier hopes at least a few of her customers might be able to visit her new store in Sri Lanka. She has been giving her email to those who want to keep in touch, but she also expects to make return trips to Port Townsend.

“Humanity can be found everywhere,” Spier said.