Larry's Clothing to close after 18 years

The city's only remaining men's clothing store and a Sidney institution, Larry's Clothing, will soon close its doors for the last time.

Larry's Clothing opened almost 18 years ago on April 17, 1995. Owner Larry Fraas decided to start the business because he believed it would fill demand in the growing town.

"I thought Sidney needed a men's store," Fraas said.

He previously worked at Greenlee's, another clothing store in Sidney, which closed around seven or eight years before Larry's opened. Fraas was the last employee out the door at Greenlee's, he said.

After announcing the upcoming closure on Facebook, there were an outpouring of congratulations on his retirement and some sadness at seeing Fraas and his store go.

Although Fraas soon plans to hang up his last pair of pants at the store, he will continue to farm where he resides south of Lodgepole.

"Farming's my morning and evening job," Fraas said.

Fraas met many nice people during his time working in Sidney and said the town has been good to him.

"They let the old farm boy come to town and pretend to own a retail store," Fraas joked.

The people at the city offices in Sidney and those in the local government were easy to work with and made it simple to keep the place running, Fraas said.

He believes local businesses, including clothing stores still fill a need for residents in towns like Sidney.

"I think we still have a place in the economy and provide customer service and fill immediate needs," Fraas said.

Customers can get what they need quickly at a local store without the hassle of waiting for shipping when ordering online, Fraas added.

Fraas recalled many positive memories from his time at the store. Some of his fondest recollections were when he was able to help people out when they needed it. The store owner might donate a coat to someone in need if they came in without sufficient funds.

Larry's Clothing touts quality clothing with reasonable prices and a high level of customer service. The store sells men's clothing and shoes as well as some women's clothing and jewelry. The shop also provided tuxedos for formal occasions. Now, everything is on sale and everything must go.

Although there are quite a few empty hangers in the back of the shop, some shelves are still full.

"My one big disappointment is I'm sorry we didn't get a community owned store," Fraas said.

Sidney residents attempted to start a community store around three or four years ago, but couldn't get it off the ground because there weren't enough investors. Fraas was considering giving up his store at that point, but didn't want to back out of his commitment to downtown.

"I didn't want Sidney to be without a men's store," Fraas said.

Daisies and Dragons located on 10th Ave. will continue to provide tuxedoes and Red Wing Boots to the city once Larry's closes.

Fraas explained his reason for giving up the store simply.

"I got old and grouchy," he said.

Fraas wants his Saturdays free to spend more time with family. He has some grandchildren just starting high school and wants more time to embarrass them, he added.

Fraas has worked six days a week since the store opened. During this time he missed out on quite a few weekend activities with his grandchildren he would have liked to attend.

There is no definite closing date set, but Fraas is confident that he'll lock up shop for the final time before the start of the year, to avoid another tax season.

He plans to continue farming, to find another day job with more flexible hours and to spend more time chasing grandkids, he said.

"I'll miss the people, but they'll be around and I'll be around, Fraas said.