Marquette Wallpaper and Paint plans to close after 80 years at the corner of Third and Main in downtown Marquette, although the business could remain open if a buyer comes forward.
The store announced Wednesday, Oct. 14, that it planned to close within a month or two, according to The Mining Journal, which first reported the closure. Darryl Hamari is retiring after 51 years at the business. His brother Mark Hamari has arranged to continue working elsewhere for a few more years, according to the store's Facebook announcement.
The planned closure would end a run that dates to 1946, when the business first opened. The store is located at 115 S. Third St., across from the Marquette Commons. For generations of Upper Peninsula homeowners, the shop at Third and Main has been a place to pick paint colors, order custom window treatments or get a key cut.
The Hamari brothers built a reputation around the store's product lines, which included Benjamin Moore paint, Sikkens stains and custom framing. In May 2018, the brothers celebrated the store's 72nd anniversary with a live radio broadcast, free hot dogs from the Hot Dog King outside the front door and $10-per-gallon discounts on select paint, according to Sunny 101.9.
"Thank you to ALL our customers for your loyalty," the store wrote in its Facebook announcement.
A closing sale begins Monday, Oct. 19. The store is also accepting offers from anyone interested in purchasing the business.
No closing date is set. The store said it will post updates on its Facebook page as the final day approaches.
