Smulekoff’s set to close Nov. 28

CEDAR RAPIDS - Smulekoff's Home Store will close its doors for the last time at 5 p.m. on Nov. 28.

The 'Black Friday' closing will end 125 years of business in downtown Cedar Rapids. All the store's remaining furniture has been moved to the first two floors and prices lowered as Smulekoff's, 97 Third Ave. SE, moves into the final liquidation phase of going out of business.

'The reality of the closing has settled in for all of us.” said Theresa Blair, Smulekoff's communications and marketing manager, in a statement. 'Final liquidation markdowns will continue to happen and become more aggressive as we move toward our final day.”

Blair said Smulekoff's will hold a two-day auction after the Nov. 28 closing to sell any remaining merchandise.

On Aug. 19, Smulekoff's announced it would close by the end of December. The closing will affect about 50 employees, including sales, office, warehouse and inventory staff.

The city of Cedar Rapids will purchase the building housing the store for $4.7 million through its Voluntary Property Acquisition process - federal funds used to buy properties damaged by the 2008 flood. The purchase will not include a warehouse at 411 Sixth Ave. SE.

Smulekoff's Home Store has operated since 1889 when Henry Smulekoff, a Russian immigrant, bought a small store on May's Island. The business relocated to the corner of Third Avenue and First Street SW in 1908, and moved to its current location in 1942.