The Postman will stay open in Seattle's Central District after all

Less than a week after it announced it would be closing, The Postman has reversed course and now plans to stay open in Seattle's Central District.

"In times of challenge and adversity, it is inspiring to see a community come together, support one another, and rise above the difficulties we face. We stand united and affirm that we choose to stay. Gentrification should not define our reality, as it is when we succumb to the excuses to leave that it takes hold. Instead, we can create a stronger, more resilient community by staying and building together," owner KeAnna Rose Pickett wrote in a statement on Facebook announcing the postal store will remain open.

The Postman planned to close its doors earlier this week, following a shooting incident that sent a bullet through its storefront. The shooting came nearly a year after co-founder D'Vonne Pickett Jr. was shot and killed outside the store. Pickett was a respected local business owner and member of the community.

RELATED: Seattle renames block to honor D'Vonne Pickett Jr.

In a statement provided to Converge Media, KeAnna Rose Pickett expanded on why she chose to stay open. She said she has spoken with D'Vonne's parents and worked out a plan for them to take over operation of the store.

"I'm here trying to make sure that my son's legacy and business continues to go on," Nicky Chappell, D'Vonne Pickett Jr.'s mother, told KUOW. "I'm going to fight for my son's business to stay in the Central District."

In her statement, KeAnna Rose Pickett also said that recent shootings have targeted Black-owned businesses, and she sees the fallout as part of gentrification that has impacted the Central District for many years.

She added that she hired four more staff members this week. She said the store window struck by the bullet will be repaired on Nov. 1.