ZIP
Advertisement
'Really sad for all of us': Wolf Bros Western Store to close Dodge location after nearly 50 years
Owner Tom Kirschenbaum's father moved the family business to the 70th and Dodge location in 1973
Share
Updated: 10:12 AM CDT Jul 8, 2021
The latest breaking updates, delivered straight to your email inbox.
Advertisement
'Really sad for all of us': Wolf Bros Western Store to close Dodge location after nearly 50 years
Owner Tom Kirschenbaum's father moved the family business to the 70th and Dodge location in 1973
Share
Updated: 10:12 AM CDT Jul 8, 2021
It's an Omaha staple. The western town storefront. The iconic sign next to Dodge.The Wolf Brothers Western Store has been in business for nearly 100 years and has been located at 70th and Dodge for almost 50 years."We have about a boot for anybody," said owner Tom Kirschenbaum. Kirschenbaum's father moved the family business to 70th and Dodge in 1973. A tornado knocked it down in '75, and they rebuilt it that same year."And we've been here ever since," said Kirschenbaum.But the owner said the store is officially hanging up its hat. Kirschenbaum said they were approached by PJ Morgan Real Estate."At first we said 'no' of course, and then they came to use with an offer we felt we just couldn't refuse," he said. "It's going to be really sad for all of us."With Crossroads being redeveloped, he thinks the offer is part of the initiative to revamp the 72nd and Dodge area."If you drive up and down Dodge Street, so many properties now are empty or they've torn buildings down and so forth," said Kirschenbaum. "It's just time."In October, Wolf Brothers plans on moving and merging more western wear into their other store Boots for Less at Westwood Plaza near 120th and West Center. Boots for Less primarily sells work boots right now.But there's one piece of history they're keeping at the Dodge location."The people that have purchased the building are actually going to leave the sign up which we are very happy about because that sign is kind of an icon in Omaha, Nebraska," said Kirschenbaum.Since the news of their soon-to-be closure, the store is seeing support from decades-long customers."We open at 9. We had people waiting for us at 8:15," he said.Kirschenbaum thinks they'll be open until the end of September, depending on how long they have merchandise to sell.Right now, every item in their store is at least 25% off. That includes hats, saddles, clothes and of course, boots."We'd just like to have everybody come in and enjoy the good bargains they can get and come in while they can for the next couple of months and maybe get a piece of history," he said.