Imagine a store in your neighborhood that was around when you were in preschool, through your middle and high school years, when you were in college, when you landed your first job, and even when you welcomed your first grandchild. 

Such a store, no matter how often you shopped there, undoubtedly became an important part of your local community. And if that business was a special clothing retailer that dressed several generations, it would be hard to feel indifferent about the news of its sudden closure. 

In 2024, the production of pelts in the U.S. dropped 19% year over year; however, over a decade, it declined a staggering 80%. The total value of mink pelts produced in 2024 was $28.1 million, down from $117 million in 2015, according to BornFreeUSA. 

While many would assume a local fur retailer suddenly closed due to falling sales, the truth is quite different. 

Beloved Detroit fur and clothing store Dittrich Furs confirmed it will close forever after 132 years.

BearFotos/Shutterstock.com

Dittrich Furs shutters after 132 years of business 

An iconic clothing store in Detroit that served generations of customers, Dittrich Furs confirmed its permanent closure. The sad news comes after 132 years of a successful run, stirring a strong response from customers eager to make one last purchase. 

The owners shared on the store’s website that they will close the 7373 Third Ave. location for good on April 30, citing retirement.  

Three years ago, Dittrich Furs closed its second location in Oakland County and consolidated operations into its Midtown Detroit location, according to the Detroit News.

The owners said they have been honored to serve Detroit and Southeast Michigan since 1893 and to be the city’s oldest privately held business. Over five generations, the family proudly provided the finest fur and natural-material fashions, with craftsmanship, care, and special attention to personal service. 

“It is with deep gratitude — and a somewhat heavy heart — that we share this news. After much reflection, the Dittrich family has made the decision to retire and focus on the health and well-being of our family. This decision marks the closing of a remarkable era, one filled with relationships, traditions, and memories we will always cherish,” the owners wrote on Dittrich Furs’ website. 

They also announced a retirement liquidation sale throughout April 30, 2026. During this time, Dittrich Furs’ inventory of more than 3,000 fashions, valued at over $9 million, will be offered at 70% off. 

It’s hard to pinpoint whether the promise of low prices, or just the last chance to grab something from their favorite store, led many to flock to the store so quickly. Based on customer comments, it’s probably both. 

Customers empty Dittrich Furs: “Some people want a part of history” 

Early Tuesday morning, Jan. 14, even before the store opened, a line formed. 

“The customers came, they saw, and they bought,” reported Fox Local at the scene. Fox’s reporter Ingrid Kelly walked around the nearly empty store.

“As you can see, there’s really not much left. Slim pickings,” Kelly said. 

Customers commented that they were able to buy quality furs at an actual 70% discount. One woman, who came on the second day of sales, said that although there was not much inventory to choose from, the store announced it would restock and recommended checking its Facebook page for any updates. 

“To be quite honest about it, Dittrich has been a beacon for fur wearers in Detroit. And the best part about it is the generational loyalty that we have. And people like, you know, grasping at that last piece of Dittrich Furs. Some people want a part of history,” Dittrich Furs Store Manager Clarence Albert told Fox Local. 

Albert added that on the last day, he will probably shed a tear or two. 

Customers remember the Dittrich Furs jingle that aired for more than 40 years 

Customers shared their thoughts and feelings, remembering time spent at the store, shopping with their families through generations. 

“I used to come down here with my mom when she would buy her coats and pick them up and store them, so it’s just very nostalgic to come out today just to, like one last hurrah,” longtime customer Ayana Smith told WXYZ Detroit. 

Many shoppers opened up, saying that Dittrich Fur was more than just a store and was part of their family history, as well as an undeniable part of the city’s identity. 

“It’s hurtful because they’ve been here for a long time,” customer Veronica Baber said.

Multiple reports confirm that over time, Dittrich Furs became a Detroit landmark. A number of customers agree that the store will continue to be remembered not only for its quality fur, natural-material clothes, and personal service, but also for its classic ad jingle. 

Dan Yessian, founder of Yessian Music, wrote numerous national and regional commercial jingles for large companies, including Whirlpool, Dodge, Ford Motor Company, Coca-Cola, McDonald’s, Chevrolet, Little Caesars, and Dittrich Furs.

“Hal Dietrich had actually called me and said, ‘Can you do a jingle for us?’ And I said, ‘Sure,'” Yessian told WXYZ Detroit. “‘He said, I’d like you to do something that’s going to be very, very memorable.'”

Yessian fully answered the request; the jingle has people still singing it after 40 years. 

“Had I known that this piece of music would be living on for 40 years, I would have been maybe a little frightened to think, ‘I better make sure it’s really, really good,'” Yessian said.

Commenting on the Fox 2 Detroit’s Facebook post announcing the store closure, user Jess Lee, said, “The commercial is ringing in my head…” 

Dittrich Furs served generations, offering wide range of top-quality clothes 

From 1893 until 2026, Dittrich Furs offered a wide range of top-quality garments and accessories from the world’s finest manufacturers and designers. Its products ranged from everyday casual clothes to elegant, high-fashion styles. 

Dittrich Furs also provided custom design services, with its motto being, “You’ll be sure to find the style that fits who YOU are.”  

 Dittrich Furs timeline

• 1893: Emil Dittrich, a furrier from London, opened a small wholesale shop in Detroit, selling fur scarves and collars made from pelts bought directly from trappers.
• Tradition of Quality: Emil only used the finest pelts, which helped the business thrive.
• After World War I: The business grew and moved to the Fisher Arcade on Woodward Avenue.
• 1928: The company moved to a new location on Grand River.
• 1965: Due to freeway construction, Dittrich Furs moved to its current location on Third Avenue, updating the store and adding more services for customers.
• Family Leadership: Harold E. Dittrich brought his sons into the business, teaching them the importance of treating customers like family. “When someone comes through that door, we treat them like they are coming into our living room,” he said.
• 1977: Harold M. Dittrich opened a branch in Bloomfield Hills with his son, Harold (Hal) G. Dittrich.
• Harold M. Dittrich: Led the company as chairman for more than 20 years until his death in 1996.
• Modernization: The family continued to innovate with employee training, high-quality service, and the latest fashion and designer furs.
• Largest Fur Collection:  Dittrich Furs grew to house one of the largest fur collections in the U.S., offering services including custom design, repairs, and fur storage.
• Company Culture: Every employee is treated like family, and customer satisfaction is key to the company’s success.
• Closure: Dittrich Furs owners decided to retire and focus on family well-being and health, scheduling the closing for April 30, 2026. The store launched final sales in January, selling the remaining collections at a 70% discount. Source: Dittrich Furs’ official history page

Customers have mixed reactions to Dittrich Furs closure

The news about Detroit’s legendary furs store closure quickly spread across the internet, and longtime customers reacted.

While a number of shoppers expressed sadness and nostalgia, some questioned the ethics of the business, claiming that clothing made from animal fur is inhumane. 

“I respect the longevity but I have no respect for the fur industry so good luck, but good riddance,” said user zeromatsuri05.

User singlemale4cats seconded that opinion, saying, “Not surprised. People are more concerned with animal welfare these days, and the fur industry is notoriously horrible.”

More Closings

• 63-year-old luxury retail chain shuts down key stores
• 91-years-old historic bar is closing permanently
• Beloved 120-year-old gardening retailer closes permanently

Although times have changed over the course of a century and people have become more oriented toward animal welfare, the store was closing not due to lack of business, but due to retirement. This suggests that despite the modern trend, interest in fur and natural materials remains. 

Many customers agreed, saying they plan to shop during the final sales, and others acknowledged the business’ legacy. 

“It’s the end of an era! 132 years is a long time to be in business (in the US),” user Jeffbx said. 

“They had a fabulous run,” Devin Nyles wrote on Facebook. “All good things must come to an end; however, they were a pillar in our community.”

Commenting and remembering the iconic jingle was inevitable. 

“Their commercials and jingle are iconic if you you grew up in metro Detroit. I can hear it now…,” said user RingoBunnyman.  

The Dittrich family expressed appreciation for the loyalty, trust, and friendship they received from the community. 

“Serving this community has been our esteemed privilege, and Dittrich Furs will forever remain a part of Detroit’s history because of you,” the owners wrote. 

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