Longtime retailer retires

Jan Knewtson, who has been a part of the retail scene in downtown Iola for 34 years, is retiring. Her three shops, Sophisticated Rose, Sophisticated Rose Plus and Tuxedo Junction, soon will close.

By

Local News

June 5, 2020 - 3:36 PM

Jan Knewtson

After 34 years in retail, Jan Knewtson is retiring.

Knewtson said she arrived at the decision when business was suspended for seven weeks because of the COVID-19 pandemic.

The hiatus gave her time to evaluate the retail landscape, its inherent challenges and her desire to keep at it.

“It’s a hard business, that’s only getting harder,” she said Tuesday afternoon.

Knewtson owns three clothing stores in four spaces on the southeast corner of the square, including Sophisticated Rose, Tuxedo Junction and Sophisticated Rose Plus. In the second story are eight apartments that she rents out. All the properties are for sale.

Related
December 10, 2020
June 5, 2020
December 7, 2016
November 19, 2010