Perry A. Farrell

Detroit Free Press

After 40 years of working every Saturday morning, Patrick Lynch looks forward to getting up and watching cartoons.

Lynch’s, a Dearborn theatrical superstore started in 1949 by Eleanor Lynch, will be closing its doors after 68 years.

“After 40 years of personally doing this and 68 years in business, I got a shot at retiring,’’ said the 57-year-old Patrick. “I don’t know what I’m going to do. I’m up at 7:30 every day. Right time, right place. When you’re fighting against Amazon, who controls 53% of the market share this year for retail, it is tough every day coming in. Got an offer on the place, so we decided to (sell). Why stress out anymore?"

The store has been a popular location for generations of parents to buy pointe ballet flats, tutus, tap shoes and other dance wear, and for renting elaborate Halloween costumes.

Lynch said the sale of the building, located on Howard Street just north of Michigan Avenue in the heart of west Dearborn, is pending to a local buyer.

They have to be out of the building by July 1, he said. The store is liquidating its inventory.

He has run the business with his wife, Susan, along with key employees Kathy Feltzer and Karen Westfall.

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“To be able to sleep in on a Saturday. ... I've done this family business with every Saturday spent in the store. Once a month or so, I got to bring a friend in and we’d terrorize the place as kids. I grew up marking makeup and putting price stickers on stuff. I think at 57 years old, I’m going to get up one Saturday and watch all the cartoons I missed as a kid.’’

Contact Perry A. Farrell: pafarrell@freepress.com.