On Monday morning I called longtime Iola merchant Jan Knewtson to ask if I could do a story about her decision to retire.
“Well, not today,” she said. “I can’t seem to stop crying.”
On Tuesday, she wasn’t much better.
It’s one thing to say you’re going to close up shop. It’s another to actually do it.
For 34 years Knewtson has sold women’s apparel at various locations along the south side of the square. The last 20 have been at the corner of Jefferson and Madison, with her flagship store Sophisticated Rose, and her smaller venues of Tuxedo Junction and Sophisticated Rose Plus.
She began with a bridal store, expanding to women’s wear, children’s clothing and toys, plus sizes for women and most recently, tuxedos for men along with wedding accessories.