(WBBM NEWSRADIO) – A longtime electronics store in the western suburbs has closed its doors after nearly 80 years in business.
The late Lee Olmstead opened Olmstead's TV in Batavia in 1946 and originally sold appliances.
"It wasn't until the late 40s, early 50s [when] he started selling televisions. And we sold televisions and appliances until the 70s and then went strictly to electronics in the 70s. Until now,” says the founder’s son, Gene Olmstead.
He started running the store in 1976, and now, nearly 50 years later, he has decided to retire. He closed for good on Friday.
He says the response from customers -- whom he considers his friends -- has been astounding. People who didn't even need a TV came in to buy one before he closed, he said.
Olmstead says he plans to spend his free time with his grandchildren and hopes to travel.
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