DOWAGIAC — Dowagiac residents will soon lose access to one of the area’s longest standing providers of discounted shoes, clothing and home goods.

A longtime Dowagiac business will be closing its doors this month. Frese Discount Center, 32915 M-62 W., Dowagiac, a store that sells discounted clothing and household items, is planning to close by the end of the June. To prepare for the closure, owners Fred and Kendra Frese, of Stevensville, are offering sales on all merchandise and have put the building up for sale. 

“Business is slow, and it’s been getting bad for a while,” Fred said, standing inside of the large business center. “We are kind of ready for a change. … So, we are looking to get everything out of here — the quicker, the better.”

“Things have really changed since online shopping became really big,” Kendra added.

Though Fred and Kendra have owned Frese Discount Center since the early 2000s, the business was initially started by Fred’s father, Paul Frese, in 1963. Fred said he is proud to have worked at a family-owned business that has managed to stay relevant to the community for so many years.

“It’s been good. It’s been fun,” Fred said. “We’ve definitely had good times out here and enjoyed our regular customers.”

“We’ve met a lot of really great people,” Kendra said.

Despite this, the couple said that now is time for them to move on and that they are excited for the next chapter in their lives. Kendra is planning to take some time off, while Fred already has another job working as a substance abuse recovery coach in St. Joseph.

“It’s a change,” Fred said with a laugh. “It’s just something I’m interested in doing — helping people and giving back.”

Before they move on to their next adventure, Fred and Kendra said they wanted to thank all of the customers that have supported the Frese Discount Center for more than 50 years. The pair added that they would encourage any Dowagiac residents to visit the store before the end of the month to take advantage of the center’s closing deals.

“Thank you all for being with us throughout the years,” Fred said. “It’s been good. Times have been good and times have been bad, but hopefully, people got a good deal out here. We appreciate everyone for continually supporting us.”