Long-Time Roseville Retailer Closes Shop

, a long-time Roseville retailer, this past Tuesday shuttered its doors.

The closing of the sporting goods store, known for its hockey equipment and carrying athletic team uniforms, comes after being in business since 1954. Three years ago, Lids Team Sports bought the business and kept operating Steichen's under its well-known name.

Steichen's shuttering marks the passing of an era. Mike Murphy, who is active in the Roseville Area Youth Hockey Association, told Patch that while Steichen's had slipped in recent years, "As a kid that grew up in the area, Steichen's was THE place to go for equipment, and jerseys.

"Ted Steichen was a fantastic community supporter, sponsoring teeams in multiple sports in multiple associations," Murphy said. "Also, getting something from Steichen's was cool because they did all of the uniforms for the Gophers and North Stars."
Tom Rustad, a salesman for Lids Team Sports, said Friday he didn't know why the company closed Steichen's. Lids Team Sports has about a 1,000 sports stores across the country and has been reorganizing its retail operations, he said.

However, Rustad said Lids may resume business at the Steichen's location, 2425 Rice St., under its own name. He said that it was unfortunate the Steichen's name will go away after 58 years in business.

Rustad said Lids Team Sports is still operating a sales office from the Steichen's location. But the company has shipped Steichen's inventory back to a company warehouse in Indianapolis, he said.

Lids Team Sports is part of the Lids Sports Group, which is a division of Nashville, Tenn.-based Genesco.