"It's very emotional:" After more than 40 years, Hoffer's Tropic Life Pets will soon close its doors
MILWAUKEE (WITI) -- After being in business for more than four decades, Hoffer's Tropic Life Pets, a beloved store and a landmark in Milwaukee is closing its doors. But before they do, they need your help.
Mike Hoffer opened his first store on W. Center Street in Milwaukee back in 1972. He now operates Hoffer's Tropic Life Pets on N. 76th Street in Milwaukee.
"This has been a life-long dream of mine since I was a kid," Hoffer said.
Unfortunately, the dream has recently turned into a financial nightmare.
"For the past six years I`ve been emptying savings accounts IRA`s and CDs and trying to keep the store going. I reached a point where I can`t just keep losing money," Hoffer said.
So regrettfully, Hoffer has decided to close his store.
"It`s very emotional. It`s so sad," Hoffer said.
His business has grown from a 600-square-foot facility to the second largest pet shop in the United States, with over 34,000 square feet of space.
"We have live animals. We have snakes, fish, tortoises, turtles -- then spiders, scorpions, things like that. At one time we had six alligators on display," Hoffer said.
Hoffer's has grown to be much more than a pet shop. It is a destination for learning and fun.
"Tours with schools almost daily," Hoffer said.
"We actually planned on having birthday parties here. They`ve been here for us and always gave us deals on supplies, so we supported them," a customer said.
That support has dwindled over the years. Hoffer says since the recession in 2008, the business has struggled, and times have changed in many ways.
"I announced we would be closing the store due to lack of interest. Now with kids, they want to play on their little games -- their phones. They don`t want to keep pets. People can go to the internet and buy anything now and it's killing business," Hoffer said.
So now, everything must go -- from cages to supplies and toys, but Hoffer's main concern is finding good homes for the remaining animals.
"Liquidate all the animals because I can`t leave them behind," Hoffer said.
In a short while, Hoffer will no longer have his pet store, but seeing the impact he's had on Milwaukee families, he says he'll walk away with something that's priceless.
"I still have all my memories -- the good stuff," Hoffer said.
Hoffer is offering deep discounts, and he says he hopes to sell everything that's left in the store within the next month or two. If he's unable to do so, he says he'll consider hosting an auction.
Hoffer's is open Monday through Saturday from 10:00 a.m. until 6:00 p.m. and Sundays from 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.
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