Since 1979, Paul Richards Desilet and his wife Cathy have owned and operated Paul Richards Clothing in downtown Bothell. In the process they have become a beloved community staple.

After decades of business, Paul Desilet said they’ve finally come to the decision to close up shop and retire after years of searching for someone to take over their shop failed to turn up any buyers. Last week they began a liquidation sale.

“It’s been a great ride, wonderful,” Desilet said.

Paul Richards Clothing sells high-quality garments at what Desilet said is the most competitive price he can sell them for, and judging by their business’s longevity, the community took note.

“We chose the products that we sell because we thought they were the best in the market for the price,” he said. “Treat the customer right, selling the right product – we both win.”

His favorite part of the job was fitting a customer with the best clothes for them individually, Desilet said.

Desilet and his wife bought the store from pharmacists Alex and Lois Sidie, also longtime area residents, after working in their clothing store at the same location.

Since then, the Desilets have purchased the building with other owners. As they move on, Paul Desilet said they will remain a part of the community, and will ensure future tenants are quality businesses who residents will appreciate.

“I frankly wish we could continue this in someone else’s stead, someone else would purchase this store, but we don’t see it,” he said.

As a younger man, the 66-year-old said he never thought his business would blossom into one of the premier stores in Bothell. He and his wife had a young son in 1979, and were just focused on making ends meet.

“As the years go on – and others before me are the seniors up and down the street – and as they retire and move on, I kind of climbed the ladder and tried to make a solid business here that would provide for my customers,” he said.

As development in downtown Bothell increases with city initiatives like the downtown revitalization project, a plan designed to attract businesses and increase infrastructure, Desilet said he’s grateful to have been in on the ground floor.

More importantly, Desilet said, is the faces he saw pass through his door day-in and day-out.

“I have totally enjoyed the relationships we’ve built over the years, and we just send out a heartfelt thank you to everyone for supporting us,” he said.

Paul Richards Clothing will be open as they sell off their remaining stock, after which the Desilets will be closing shop and retiring.

The business is located at 10127 Main Street, Bothell and is open Tuesday through Sunday from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.