Irwin’s closing after 58 years in business

Irwin's, a men's apparel retailer in Marion that has operated for 58 years, will begin a going-out-of-business sale Thursday and close Dec. 23.

Owner Lee Larson, who has worked at Irwin's since his high school years, said he is ready to pursue other opportunities after working at the store for almost four decades.

'It's time for something different,” Larson said. 'I have thoroughly enjoyed the business, but it gets more difficult every year.

'I want to get an outside sales job where I have a little freedom to be out and about.”

Larson, a second-generation clothier, didn't make the decision lightly. He's been thinking about it for roughly two years and made up his mind in June.

'I'm happy about my decision. I don't want anyone to feel bad for me,” Larson said. 'I want them to come in and celebrate with me. It's been fun, but it's time for a new adventure.”

The store, which employs four in addition to Larson, was opened by Irwin Renfer in 1956. Larson's father, Jack, worked with Renfer from the beginning.

Jack Larson eventually became Renfer's partner and bought him out with the founder's retirement in 1982. Lee Larson partnered with his father and bought him out in 1996 when the elder Larson retired.

Larson said the men's apparel business, 1180 Seventh Ave., became more challenging when large employers such as Rockwell Collins and Transamerica adopted 'business casual” for employees and executives.

'We had customers who bought multiple suits and sport coats every year,” Larson said. 'Now, they're wearing khackis and golf shirts.”