Legendary SW Wisconsin organization transitions to new operator | Tri-state News
LANCASTER, Wis. — An legendary southwest Wisconsin enterprise that has served the group for much more than 9 many years has transformed palms.
Karri and David Schauff this 7 days grew to become the new owners of Walker’s Outfits and Sneakers in Lancaster. The business enterprise had been owned by Steve Walker given that 1990.
“I know I have big shoes to fill,” Karri stated. “I hope I can proceed the custom.”
Steve Walker represented the 3rd technology of his relatives to direct the enterprise, which was co-founded by his grandfather. Steve commenced performing entire time at the shop in 1979 and purchased the company from his father about 11 many years afterwards.
He acknowledged that it was “bittersweet” to have the business enterprise depart the relatives. Even so, he stated he is extremely self-confident it will continue to be a good results underneath the new proprietors.
“This not a COVID(-19) decision, and it was not a money final decision,” he reported. “This was the time proper for me (to promote the enterprise) for many causes. I also understood I had the proper person interested in having on the venture.”
Whilst Karri Schauff is not similar to Walker, they do have a near bond and mutual respect that was built up over many a long time doing the job facet by facet.
Karri worked at Walker’s for about eight several years.
“He was my mentor,” she explained of Walker. “I uncovered everything I know from him,”
When Walker resolved to shut the aspect of his retail outlet that bought children’s apparel, Schauff made the decision to fill the void by opening a business enterprise of her very own.
She launched Cruisin’ Young children, a newborn and children’s clothing retailer, about 8 several years back, and the organization stays in operation now. Schauff claimed she designs to move Cruisin’ Kids from its latest site at 121 N. Madison St. to a space in the Walker’s location this summer months.
Schauff emphasised that customers will not see a lot of other improvements at the organization. Major attracts this sort of as the Carhartt items, tuxedoes and the shoe division will continue being intact.
All of the existing workforce at Walker’s will remain beneath the new possession, an arrangement that Schauff believes will be certain attendees are greeted by acquainted faces when traveling to the retail outlet.
For the time remaining, that incorporates Steve Walker himself, who will keep a presence at the store even though it transitions to a new era.
Walker acknowledged that the lengthy several hours tied to his job usually have meant time away from the relatives. He credited his wife, Laurie, for choosing up the slack at dwelling when he was absent.
Stepping absent from the enterprise will be tricky for Walker.
“I have been functioning right here for a very long time,” he said. “You satisfy a lot of clients and make a ton of friendships that arrive from this. It is a way of everyday living.”