MINNEAPOLIS — Midwest Mountaineering is closing its doors after 53 years in Minneapolis' Cedar-Riverside neighborhood, but not before a sale that will raise thousands.
It's not just for the offers, but also to say thank you for the memories.
The line of customers stretched all the way outside Midwest Mountaineering on the second day of the sale from the business on Saturday.
“It's unbelievable,” said Bob Swenson of Champlin. “I've bought quite a few things here.”
Customers lined up for huge deals and to say goodbye to the man behind it all.
MORE NEWS: Canterbury Park co-founder Dale Schenian has died aged 82
“What really amazes me is so many people talk to me and thank me for the 53 years that Midwest Mountaineering has been helping them have more fun in the outdoors,” said Rod Johnson, Owner and Founder of Midwest Mountaineering.
What started as sales from Johnson's kitchen was followed by a storefront on Hennepin Avenue. It ended up in Cedar-Riverside in 1976, in a brick and mortar location.
“My hair is a lot longer and it used to be a lot more,” Johnson said.
According to Johnson, competition from online outdoor stores and declining interest from young people in the outdoors made his store financially impractical.
“When your expenses are greater than your income, you really can't go any further,” Johnson said.
“I was introduced to Midwest Mountaineering when I was a student at Macalester College,” said Jason Schlude.
Schlude bought boots at Midwest Mountaineering twenty years ago. He still wears them.
“This place played a very important role in my and my family's history,” he said.
While the store closes its doors on Oct. 8, Johnson will hold on to the memories of all the customers he can now call friends.
“It's been the best 53 years of my life. I'm not complaining at all,” Johnson said.
Midwest Mountaineering will be holding a farewell party for its customers on Thursday, October 12th from 5-7pm.
As for plans after his store closes, Johnson said he will work with a nonprofit he has started.
