Mike Wolanin | The Republic Tom Dell, owner of Dell Brothers, receives his business’ chamber of commerce ribbon from Cindy Frey, president of the Columbus Area Chamber of Commerce, during a ceremony to retire the Dell Brothers Columbus Area Chamber of Commerce ribbon at Dell Brother in Columbus, Ind., Thursday, Sept. 19, 2024. Tom Dell announced his retirement and closure of his men’s clothing store, Dell Brothers earlier this year. Dell Brothers has been in business in Columbus for 108 years.
The Columbus Area Chamber of Commerce had a a Ribbon Retirement ceremony for Dell Brothers on Thursday as the store prepares to close.
Dell Brothers has been a member of the Chamber for 108 years.
In the same spot it has been in since 1916, Dell Brothers has become a fixture of downtown Columbus. But Tom Dell is retiring, and that means the store will be retiring, too.
“I thought it was about time,” says Dell. A handful of factors played into his decision, including his age, the death of his brother in November of last year, and the competitive market for retail employees.
“Everything has its life cycle, as I always say, and so does the store,” says Dell.
The city of Columbus presented a proclamation to Dell at the ribbon retirement ceremony, and fellow city council members gathered around to celebrate the long-time businessman.
“My grandfather always said, which I agree, you will make more friends in this business than customers,” says Dell.
