Red Wing Pottery, Iconic Brand, Faces Closure

RED WING, Minn. (AP) - Red Wing Pottery, an institution in the Mississippi River town since the 1860s, is facing sale or closure as it struggles to compete with bigger retailers.

Third-generation owner Scott Gillmer told reporters that the business will fold by the end of the year if no buyer emerges. Gillmer says there just aren't enough discretionary dollars to support businesses like his in its current format.

Red Wing Pottery got its start by selling farmers salt-glaze storage crocks in the 1860s. It now operates a 32,000-square-foot space to make and sell pottery, with a restaurant included.

Gillmer says the business has 13 full-time employees and, with part-timers and seasonal workers, can have up to 50 people working during peak times.