After more than 40 years in business, The Apple Tree has closed its doors.
“I woke up today and it felt like the last day of school. I haven’t felt that way in 50 years, so I don’t know how to feel,” said owner Earle Harner. Harner was busy Thursday morning moving the remaining stock out of the 136 E. College Ave. business.
The shop has long been a “must-go-to” for college students looking to decorate their dorm rooms with posters and tapestries. The store’s colorful window has been a sign of college culture, with popular posters hung out for people passing by to see.
Harner said he just could not compete with Amazon any longer.
“This younger generation shops online, and we just couldn’t keep up with that anymore,” said Harner.
The building was purchased last year by the Herlochers and there was a local uproar when The Rathskeller’s lease was not extended. Harner said he was offered a good lease from the Herlochers, but he decided he no longer could keep the storefront.
The Apple Tree will continue to operate an online store, but Harner said he is glad to be done with day-to-day operation of the shop.
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