A west coast destination closes its doors: Byrnie Utz

[bluesforchallah]

Not really a lot to say, just hard to acknowledge.

https://crosscut.com/2018/07/seattl...tm_source=crosscut-facebook&utm_medium=social

 

[Redfokker]

I'm making my pilgrimage next Saturday. I'll take some farewell images. Shed a tear. And maybe bring home a couple of hats.

 

[ScionPI2005]

I'm making my pilgrimage next Saturday. I'll take some farewell images. Shed a tear. And maybe bring home a couple of hats.

I’ll be there at least one last time. I wish I had visited them more often, although I know that wouldn’t have stopped the forces of business and “growth “ that are now forcing them to close.

If it was at all realistic, I would love to buy the store and keep it going.

 

[Scuttle]

Original post regarding the Bernie Utz closing, with more details:

A Sad Day

Specifically:

I went by Bernie Utz this past Wed., and bought my first Akubra BTW...

This is a sad story, but more to it than meets the eye. I asked the owners daughter if maybe a petition might help...Like how many signatures would it take? And she told me, that her Dad, the owner, is retiring the first of Aug. reguardless, and the family WANTS to sell...There is a possibility that if they find a buyer, that the new owners could strike a deal with the owners of the building...

If that was a possbility it would make finding a buyer alot easier...But they have no way of knowing til, if and when they have a buyer...

~ S.

 

[ScionPI2005]

I was there close to a month ago, and spoke to the owner. It sounds as though the new owner of the building is flat out refusing to renew the lease. This leads me to believe they envision having something else other than a hat store in the building, which I can only assume they believe would be more lucrative in our world today.

It sounds like they actually had three parties interested in buying the store. The main issue the owner said, was having to relocate the store to another location. That complication is part of the reason at least two of the potential buyers backed out.

Sadly, I fear this is the end of an era for Seattle. Another win for big business. I'm sure Byrnie Utz's space in the building will probably be replaced by another Starbucks, or some other mainstream business.

 

[Redfokker]

I was there close to a month ago, and spoke to the owner. It sounds as though the new owner of the building is flat out refusing to renew the lease. This leads me to believe they envision having something else other than a hat store in the building, which I can only assume they believe would be more lucrative in our world today.

It sounds like they actually had three parties interested in buying the store. The main issue the owner said, was having to relocate the store to another location. That complication is part of the reason at least two of the potential buyers backed out.

Sadly, I fear this is the end of an era for Seattle. Another win for big business. I'm sure Byrnie Utz's space in the building will probably be replaced by another Starbucks, or some other mainstream business.

I have a early 1950s homburg that came from this store, back in the day.

 

[Mustang Mike's Hats]

I was there close to a month ago, and spoke to the owner. It sounds as though the new owner of the building is flat out refusing to renew the lease

That's the story I heard as well. The building owner is looking to get something in that space that's more "upscale", so to speak.

 

[Redfokker]

I wish I could go back and spend a whole day, only had 45 minutes. Spent much of the time listening to the shop owner Paul Ferry tell the story of the demise of a Seattle icon. He also told stories of Byrnie Utz and "old man" Hardeman (Hardeman Hats were a local Seattle manufacturer) which I enjoyed greatly. Here are some images of the oldest continuous running business in downtown Seattle, opened in 1934.

 

[Redfokker]

Here are some images of the interior of the store and the owner Paul Ferry. He said there are a couple of offers to buy the business, but alas, it will be moving to a large mall in North Seattle. The rows of Stetson boxes are from the 1865-1965 Centennial of Stetson. There is a chance they will be offered to us here on the lounge. Paul took my information and will be in touch. A chance to own some hat store history.

 

[Bamaboots]

I wish I could go back and spend a whole day, only had 45 minutes. Spent much of the time listening to the shop owner Paul Ferry tell the story of the demise of a Seattle icon. He also told stories of Byrnie Utz and "old man" Hardeman (Hardeman Hats were a local Seattle manufacturer) which I enjoyed greatly. Here are some images of the oldest continuous running business in downtown Seattle, opened in 1934.

View attachment 130144 View attachment 130145 View attachment 130146 View attachment 130148 View attachment 130149

Are you really wearing a fanny pack?

 

[BobHufford]

Here are some images of the interior of the store...

Thanks for sharing the pics Mike! Why would I not be surprised to see these built-ins lining the bedroom of a dentist in Mexico?

 

[hatophile]

Are you really wearing a fanny pack?

He has to have somewhere to put his hats...

 

[Redfokker]

Are you really wearing a fanny pack?

Yes, unfortunately I am. I recently saw a news story that "Dad Chique" is the new thing in fashion. That included fanny packs. I feel vindicated.

 

[LuvMyMan]

Not sure how else to say this but...there is a lot of weirdo things going on out west there......sadly it affects many people....

 

[Mustang Mike's Hats]

Yes, unfortunately I am. I recently saw a news story that "Dad Chique" is the new thing in fashion. That included fanny packs. I feel vindicated.

Unless you're keeping a 9MM in that thing, I have to say pass ...

 

[ScionPI2005]

Thanks for sharing those pics! I bought my last hat from Byrnie Utz last week (Borsalino stingy brim) which will gain head time as the weather turns cooler. Hopefully someone will be able to reopen the store. Such a loss....

 

[psklenar]

Dang. Closing in September and I've just been approved for a trip out there in November.

pat----

 

[deadlyhandsome]

I’m curious about those Stetson boxes. I’d like to have six or so of them.


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[jlee562]

I’m curious about those Stetson boxes. I’d like to have six or so of them.


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Same!

 

[BobHufford]

I’d love to be there! Too far away dang it.

At first I thought these were photos of @drmaxtejeda loading up his latest acquisitions from the Texas “hub” on their way south of the border.