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The building has been for sale for three years, but it wasn't until October 31 that its imminent closure became official.
The news that Dueber's Du-Mart is going out of business comes to the chagrin of faithful customers and employees who have long valued the businesses' wide-variety of low priced and niche merchandise that included everything from household goods and gifts to fabric.
"We stop here to get things you can't find anywhere else," said Dode Aronson, of Montevideo. "We come to town to go to the [Kilowatt Community Center] and then stop here afterward ... I'll miss it and so will my husband."
Du-Mart opened in downtown Granite Falls 25 years ago as a part of a chain started in Waconia by Leroy Dueber in 1946.
Under the guidance of his son, Chuck, the number of Du-Mart stores throughout the state peaked in 2002, but by late 2009 the tally had been reduced to 21.
Today, there are 12.
Chuck Dueber said there are probably a hundred reasons that have led to the closure, but what it boils down to is that some Du-Mart stores are just no longer viable financially.
"I guess it was easy from a financial perspective' he said of the deci- sion. "From an emotional side it gets a little trying."
Local employee Jane Thorkelson, who has worked at Du-Mart since it's opening in 1986, had her own opinion. She pointed the finger at those leaving town to shop as failing to aid their local establishments.
"If people would shop more in town and support their local businesses, the store wouldn't be clos- ing," she said. "I've had people I have not seen five-times in 20 years say they're sorry to see it go and they're going t miss it."
At this point, Dueber wouldn't say he has decided the precise date that he will shut the Granite Falls Du-Mart's for good, but that he expects it to occur sometime in 2012.
He said some interest has been expressed in the building, he considers nothing serious until a sale is final.
He expressed thanks to the employees and customers stating that, "we've been very appreciative of their support."
According to Thorkelson Du-Mart will receive a few more shipments of merchandise. And from now until its final day, there will be a going out of business sale.
The building has been for sale for three years, but it wasn't until October 31 that its imminent closure became official.
The news that Dueber's Du-Mart is going out of business comes to the chagrin of faithful customers and employees who have long valued the businesses' wide-variety of low priced and niche merchandise that included everything from household goods and gifts to fabric.
"We stop here to get things you can't find anywhere else," said Dode Aronson, of Montevideo. "We come to town to go to the [Kilowatt Community Center] and then stop here afterward ... I'll miss it and so will my husband."
Du-Mart opened in downtown Granite Falls 25 years ago as a part of a chain started in Waconia by Leroy Dueber in 1946.
Under the guidance of his son, Chuck, the number of Du-Mart stores throughout the state peaked in 2002, but by late 2009 the tally had been reduced to 21.
Today, there are 12.
Chuck Dueber said there are probably a hundred reasons that have led to the closure, but what it boils down to is that some Du-Mart stores are just no longer viable financially.
"I guess it was easy from a financial perspective' he said of the deci- sion. "From an emotional side it gets a little trying."
Local employee Jane Thorkelson, who has worked at Du-Mart since it's opening in 1986, had her own opinion. She pointed the finger at those leaving town to shop as failing to aid their local establishments.
"If people would shop more in town and support their local businesses, the store wouldn't be clos- ing," she said. "I've had people I have not seen five-times in 20 years say they're sorry to see it go and they're going t miss it."
At this point, Dueber wouldn't say he has decided the precise date that he will shut the Granite Falls Du-Mart's for good, but that he expects it to occur sometime in 2012.
He said some interest has been expressed in the building, he considers nothing serious until a sale is final.
He expressed thanks to the employees and customers stating that, "we've been very appreciative of their support."
According to Thorkelson Du-Mart will receive a few more shipments of merchandise. And from now until its final day, there will be a going out of business sale.
