After 34 years in retail, Jan Knewtson is retiring.
Knewtson said she arrived at the decision when business was suspended for seven weeks because of the COVID-19 pandemic.
The hiatus gave her time to evaluate the retail landscape, its inherent challenges and her desire to keep at it.
“It’s a hard business, that’s only getting harder,” she said Tuesday afternoon.
Knewtson owns three clothing stores in four spaces on the southeast corner of the square, including Sophisticated Rose, Tuxedo Junction and Sophisticated Rose Plus. In the second story are eight apartments that she rents out. All the properties are for sale.
The location along U.S. 54 is priceless, with drive-by traffic accounting for a steady clientele.
“Just last week a nurse from El Dorado came in to shop. She’s been stopping here for years as part of her regular travels to Missouri.”
Knewtson noted other faithful customers who come from Mound City, Kansas City and Ottawa.
“They enjoy getting out of town for a few hours,” she said. “I’ve made a lot of good friends in this business.”
Knewtson credits the longevity of her business to having good help. Longtime staffers Cheryl Zajic and Phyllis Lueker and more recently, Elaine Stewart, have been a steady presence behind the counter.
Knewtson also feels a kinship to her clientele.
“I like to shop, I like good service, and I appreciate good displays.”
“I’ve always tried to go beyond what people may expect,” she said. Her window displays have always been a source of pride.
“Window displays bring people in. But the sun is a killer,” she said, noting the displays must be routinely traded out so as to spare fabrics from fading.
In addition to costume jewelry and leather handbags, her top-seller is the Melissa & Doug line of children’s toys.
