Longtime Scandinavian gift shop in Decorah will close its doors

Decorah is about to get a little less Norwegian.

And Swedish and Danish, etc., for that matter, as Vanberia International Gifts at 217 West Water Street will close its doors in May or June.

Owner Terri Grosser has announced her retirement and has begun an inventory closeout sale. 

The business dates back to the 1950s on Water Street.  Her father, Jack Thompson, purchased Vanberia in 1974 and expanded it over the years.  The business sold Norwegian sweaters, jewelry, pewter, flatware,  jewelry, hardanger kits/supplies, cross stitch supplies, Norwegian wool, Scandinavian books & cookbooks, rosemaling and much more.

Grosser says her building has been purchased by the owners of Modish, the women's clothing store located on Winnebago Street.  The store will move to Water Street some time later this year, probably around Halloween.