End of an era: Family-owned retail chain in southwest Wisconsin closes

Site staff by Alex Fischer

A family-owned variety store chain in southwestern Wisconsin is closing, marking the end of an era replaced by big box retailers and internet sales.

Friday was the last day for World of Variety in Fennimore, Boscobel, Mt. Horeb and Cross Plains. It’s been a 47-year run for the chain.

WISC-TV reports that at one point, World of Variety had six locations, with the other two in Verona and Darlington. They closed two years ago.

Owner Mike Mudler says his parents, Dick and Judy Mudler, bought the business in 1973 and he and his wife, Alice, purchased it from his parents in 1996.

The Mudlers say the long hours and a challenging retail environment led them to a decision to close the stores.

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