Milwaukee, WI – George Watts & Son Inc. and The Watts Tea Shop are announcing the closing of their brick and mortar locations in downtown Milwaukee on December 31st, 2016.

The company, established in 1870, will continue to operate as an online entity and will offer the specialty goods that were hallmarks of the brand for more than 140 years as an exclusively online enterprise.

“The decision to close the store and restaurant were difficult but necessary steps in the evolution of our company,” said Sam Watts, CEO of George Watts & Son, Inc. “While the retail operations have performed well, the opportunities for company-wide growth and increased profitability are founded in our hard assets and the maximization of our other real estate endeavors. The elimination of our brick and mortar operations was a necessary next step and is in direct response to the way consumers are shopping and the way the new economy is transitioning. We have been an innovator and industry catalyst for our entire existence and we will continue to adapt our model as we view this strategy as the future of all retail operations in the luxury goods market.”

Both the retail storefront and restaurant will remain open, with normal operating hours, until after Christmas Day. Operations in the building thereafter will be intermittent as the space is transitioned for the next occupants. The building and other holdings will continue to operate under the Watts Family name and umbrella. The company plans to retain space for its online operations in the current location and use it as a distribution hub.

“We would like to thank the loyal customers who have shopped with George Watts & Son Inc. over the years as well as our devoted store associates for their dedication and friendly customer service to this community,” said Sam Watts. “We look at this as an opportunity to continue to grow and continue to positively impact the community and the City of Milwaukee. We are not saying goodbye; rather, we are welcoming a new era of commerce and embracing the new way of doing business in this global economy.”