Longtime downtown business Bloomingdeals will close its doors by April 1, or sooner if they run out of merchandise, according to owner Alan Feinstein.

Feinstein said the reason behind the store’s closing is that he and his wife are ready to retire.

“I just turned 80 in August,” said Feinstein. ”And I’ve been in this spot for 55 years.”

Bloomingdeals, 42 W. High Street, has been an “anchor of the downtown business community,” said Maureen Fagans, executive director of Center City Association. “It’s always a shame when a store elects to close. Alan and Nancy (Feinstein) have been excellent business people, very civic minded, and we will miss them.”

Feinstein first came to the downtown space in 1957 when it was part of a chain called Central Rug and Linoleum Company.

“The name changed a couple of times, and I went into a franchise in about 1970 for five years called Carpetland USA. I bought the building in 1972. We opened Bloomingdeals in 1991 to sell new and used furniture after I closed the carpet business,” he said.

“As we tell people we’re closing, they all have the same reaction,” said Feinstein. “They say they’re going to miss us. They like the cleanliness and beauty of our store, and that we always treat people right. We’ve always been very honest with our customers, and we have a great reputation. We’ve also always supported our community.”

Feinstein said he is having a closing sale starting Wednesday for 90 days or until everything is sold. Store hours are Monday through Saturday, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., and evenings and weekends by appointment. Call 324-8568 for questions or appointments.

Feinstein will retain ownership of the building.

“We still rent the apartments upstairs. And I’d rent the two floors that we use for Bloomingdeals. It’s a nice space. If someone would like to buy the store and keep it going, I would talk to them,” he said.

As for getting someone new in the space, “We have been actively working on it,” said Fagans. “It’s a great space and a great location. We’re sure somebody can be successful there.”

Considering his longevity on High Street, Feinstein has seen many changes to the downtown.

“It’s completely changed from the way it was 50 years ago,” he said. “I remember when issues six and seven were on the ballot to put the City Building where it is now. That was a big deal. And the Arcade was where the Marriott is. Moving that Madonna of the Trail to the downtown was a great thing – it lets more people enjoy that. And the building that used to be Wren’s Department Store has been beautifully rehabilitated.”

Feinstein says he and his wife will most miss the people that they’ve met along the way. “It has been a pleasure to come to work. I just want to thank everyone, customers, and the people I’ve met who have made my life very pleasant. It’s been a wonderful life here.”

Looking ahead, Feinstein will be spending a lot of time traveling. “We have seven children and 20 grandchildren, who mostly live outside Ohio. We’re looking forward to visiting them.”