Kaibab owner closing Midtown Tucson shops, one after 63 years

Laurie Amado has run the Kaibab Courtyard Shops — consisting of the Kaibab Shops, Desert House and Nambé Outlet — for about two decades. She said she became a part owner of one of the shops in 1989, doubled sales in a few years, purchased the other shops on the property and then the property itself.

Colorful Mexican and Native American blankets, intricate Southwestern pottery and Indian jewelry fill the interconnected stores at 2837 N. Campbell Ave., near East Glenn Street.

One of the shops, the Desert House, has been open at the same location since 1945.

Amado, 64, said while the business has been successful, even in trying economic times, she decided to close them because she wants to spend more time with her 72-year-old husband, Henry, her four children and four grandchildren.

"I need to reap the rewards of my life," she said. "It means so much for my grandchildren and my family for me to have time with them now."

The shops will stay open for about two more months as she works to sell her inventory, she said. The downturn in the economy wasn't a major part in her decision to close the shops, but it did play into her decision not to try and sell them in their existing form, she said. She'll sell the property after closing the shops, she said.

In 1995, she entered a joint venture with Paradies Shops Inc. of California to operate Paradies-Desert House retail shops at Tucson International Airport. That shop will remain open, Amado said.

Having no prior business experience, she relied on her experience raising a family and running a charity organization. She also learned from people she worked with.

"You learn to surround yourself with people and create a team and you learn from each other," she said.

She categorized the merchandise, separating the distinct varieties of Indian and Mexican artwork, to make it more pleasing to the customers. The store's focus on local items also helped it thrive, she said.

"We stand for history and culture and authenticity and that's worth something," she said.

Local artist Diana Madaras, who's also a member of the Metropolitan Tucson Convention and Visitors Bureau, said the closure is a loss for the community.

"I've lived here for 32 years and the Kaibab Shops is an iconic retail establishment in Tucson," she said. "And its very sad whenever you see anything so 'Tucson' go away."

Customers could be assured the merchandise there was "top quality," she said.

While Amado, who's been an active volunteer for years, was optimistic about closing the shops and spending more time with her family, she said it's been bittersweet telling customers who frequently visited the stores.

And telling the 10 employees who work there also was difficult.

Mary Anne Anderson, who has worked at the store for six years, had mixed feelings.

"I'm sad for Tucson but happy for her," she said.

Kathryn Bennett, a 12-year employee, echoed that sentiment. Bennett, who views Amado as a friend as well as an employer, said she was happy for the change in her life.

Also, Bennett said the closure wasn't a complete surprise. Many employees knew it would come soon and were glad Amado had decided to make more time for herself and her family.

Amado isn't retiring completely. She'll still be a part-owner of the shop at the airport. She and her husband also own a cattle ranch and she plans to stay active in her community.

Find a slide show of the Kaibab Courtyard Shops at www.AzStarBiz.com.

"I've lived here for 32 years and the Kaibab Shops is an iconic retail establishment in Tucson. And its very sad whenever you see anything so 'Tucson' go away"

— Diana Madaras, local artist and member of the Metropolitan Tucson Convention and Visitors Bureau