Final sale: After serving generations, Detroit icon Dittrich Furs nears the end

March 31, 2026

After more than 130 years serving Detroit, Dittrich Furs is permanently closing on April 30, with owners Jason and Shawn Dittrich retiring to spend more time with family. The fifth-generation family business, founded by Emil Dittrich in 1893, has become deeply woven into Detroit's cultural fabric, particularly within the Black community, and was known for its iconic commercials and high-quality products that attracted celebrity customers like Aretha Franklin. Recent retirement sales have drawn hundreds of customers who waited hours in freezing temperatures to purchase discounted furs, with some paying as little as $400 for mink coats that originally cost much more.

Who is affected

Jason Dittrich (president) and Shawn Dittrich (CEO), who are retiring
24 current employees of Dittrich Furs
Long-time customers including Charli McKiry, Lequel Moore, and Fannie Thigpen
Former sales associate Cheryl Jackson
The broader Detroit community, particularly the Black community for whom the store has cultural significance
Remaining furriers in the metro Detroit area (Wolverine Furs, Silver Fox Furs, C. Grantston Bullard, Elmars Furs, and Bricker-Tunis Furs)

What action is being taken

Dittrich Furs is holding retirement sales with significantly discounted merchandise
Operations are winding down, with shop services no longer open to the public
Staff members, including former employees like Cheryl Jackson, are assisting customers during the final sales
Customers are purchasing remaining inventory, including accessories, pre-owned items, and vintage furs

Why it matters

This closure represents the end of a 133-year legacy for one of Detroit's oldest businesses and removes a significant cultural landmark, particularly for Detroit's Black community where wearing fur has been an important fashion statement and symbol of elegance. The store's impact extended beyond commerce into popular culture through its iconic commercials that inspired shows like Comedy Central's "Detroiters" and its famous jingle that became part of Detroit's collective memory. The closing also reflects broader changes in Detroit's retail landscape, as the number of furriers in the area has dwindled from over 100 in the 1950s to just a handful today, marking a transformation in both the city's business community and consumer culture.

What's next

The store is set to close permanently on April 30, 2025.

Read full article from source: bridgedetroit.com