Owners Say They’re Closing Red Wing Pottery Amid Harrassment

RED WING (AP) - Owners of the Red Wing Pottery Salesroom say they're closing shop on Christmas Eve because they've been getting bullied and threatened over the store, which has been a fixture for decades.

Sales have been fine since Bruce and Irene Johnson purchased the shop two years ago, but they say harassment from a portion of the city's business community has them stressed and afraid.

Patty Brown, head of the Red Wing Chamber of Commerce, says the closure would be a huge loss and that she hasn't seen any hostility.

The Johnsons, meanwhile, have sued the Red Wing Collectors Society Foundation, alleging its museum has been using the red wing logo without permission.

The foundation disputes the claims and has declined further comment.