In this age of high-tech startups and monster-size mergers, you don’t hear much about the pottery business. But Clouds Pottery in Folsom made it work for decades. The pottery store at 608 1/2 Sutter St., closed on Dec. 31, ending a 40-year run in business. In a note to customers on the Clouds website, Linda Allison and Penny Cloud said they received well wishes from many customers who were sad to hear of the closing and retirement announcement, first posted in September. Clouds Pottery merchandise ran the gamut, from bathroom fixtures to ornate vases to lotus bowls to teapots. A large sign thanking customers was put up on the side of the building in the final days. One of the shop’s last Facebook posts offered this message: “We will miss you and hope you enjoy our pottery for many many years.”