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PERHAM — With Nadine's, the well-loved women's clothing store of Perham, closing its doors soon, the annual community liquidation sale will look a little different in 2023. But residents in search of good deals don't have to worry; it'll still be here. Several retailers, however, will just be participating in a winter "Crazy Days" sale this year instead.
Steve Richter, the face behind Richter's Men's Wear of Perham, has led the charge of the annual liquidation sale for 38 years. Now that Nadine's is closing due to owner Denise Schornack's retirement , however, returning without her didn't feel right for Richter. Their clothing store selections have gone hand-in-hand during the liquidation sale for nearly 40 years.
Richter also expressed that, since he's getting older, he's trying to cut back on labor. This decision doesn't work well with participating in the liquidation sale, since it requires him to load up his stock, take it to the PACC and set up.
Because of that, Richter's and several other retailers will now be participating in Crazy Days instead, an old tradition in the Perham area. While summer Crazy Days is still a regular occurrence, the community hasn't seen this sale in the winter since prior to 1986. Returning to this tradition felt like the right thing to do for Richter.
Several retailers such as Richter's, Nadine's and more will participate in Crazy Days, which is set to start on Thursday, Jan. 26 at participating businesses' locations. This sale will run until everything businesses want sold is gone.
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The liquidation sale will also continue to take place in adherence to its tradition, though it will now be led by Greg Schmitz of Schmitz Motor Company. The sale will take place Feb. 9-10 from 9 a.m.-6 p.m. and Feb. 11 from 9 a.m.-5 p.m. Participating businesses include Schmitz Motor Company, Mark's Fleet Supply, Dot & Minnie's, North Threads and Gene's Sport Shop.
"A lot of thought was put into (this change)," Richter said. "I've been the continuous chairman for 38 years on this (liquidation sale), and it's something that it's time to probably end. It's a lot of work, but it's the right thing to do."
