Ruston retail fixture, Lewis & Company, to close in March
1/17/2005, 12:37 p.m. CT
The Associated Press
RUSTON, La. (AP) — After 140 years of continuous business operation, Lewis & Company, a retail fixture in downtown Ruston, is going the way of many other locally owned retailers: the family-owned business will close some time in March.
"This has been a very difficult decision for our family to make," said Richard Lewis, vice president of the company. "Unfortunately, the dynamics of retailing have changed dramatically in the last 20 years, making it very difficult for independent retailers such as Lewis' to compete with national chains and regional shopping centers. Closing the store is really more an end of an era than an end to a business enterprise."
The company was founded in Trenton, La. on the banks of the Ouachita River in 1865 as the Kidd-Lewis General Mercantile Company. Its founders subsequently changed the name to Lewis & Company in 1884.
In the beginning, as a general mercantile store, Lewis & Company played a key role in the early growth of northeast Louisiana, by providing provisions for settlers.
The store evolved into a fashion apparel storye, well known in the area for quality and selection. It continued to provide special services such as custom gift wrapping and delivery long after other establishments had curtailed such extras.
It is believed to be the oldest continuously operating family owned retail business in Louisiana.
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