THE VIRGINIAN-PILOT
Copyright (c) 1996, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: Thursday, January 25, 1996 TAG: 9601230115
SECTION: NORFOLK COMPASS PAGE: 04 EDITION: FINAL
SOURCE: BY SCOTT McCASKEY, STAFF WRITER
LENGTH: Medium: 76 lines
The store has helped dress generations of Norfolkians.
But after more than 50 years in business, The Zoo children's clothing shop is closing its doors.
Established as Dolly and Bobby in 1939 and renamed The Zoo in 1980, the store at 1900 Colley Ave. is scheduled to close Saturday and possibly before if the inventory runs out.
Owners Bruce and Sharon Laderberg say it's another example of the big retailers squeezing out the little guys.
``It's just a sign of the times,'' said Bruce, whose parents owned the establishment from the mid-1950s through the early '80s. ``People are going to big stores and malls as opposed to mom-and-pop places.''
``It's not the time for small businesses anymore,'' Sharon said. ``We can't compete. The big chains like TJ Maxx can charge a lower price because of their volume. Over the last several years business just hasn't been what it used to be.''
Slow sales, however, haven't plagued the store in its final days. With ``Going Out of Business'' posters covering the windows, the cash register has been ringing. Many of the shelves are bare.
``It's been a zoo in here lately,'' Laderberg said, ``but it's kind of sad.''
Pat Wisoff, a Norfolk resident who has shopped at the store for her children and grandchildren, is distressed about the closing.
``When did this happen?'' she asked Laderberg while browsing. ``I'm crushed. I think small is better. You get that warm, personal service you don't get in the big places.''
Even some competitors will miss The Zoo.
``It's a shame to see them go,'' said Kathleen McCloskey, owner of Kids Kids Kids on 21st Street. ``They'll really leave a hole. They were the only ones in town that carried boys prep sizes 14 to 20.''
Throughout its history the store was known for quality children's apparel, stocking items for infants to teenagers. Mainstays were khakis and blazers for boys, sailor dresses for girls. Brands like Polo, Gant, Rothschild and Florence Eiseman made up much of the inventory.
There were decades of prosperity. Started as Dolly and Bobby by Dora Layne in 1939, Albert and Thelma Laderberg purchased the shop in 1955 and expanded with a string of several children's and teen's clothing stores in Norfolk and Virginia Beach. The VIP shop was opened next door to Dolly and Bobby about 1960, followed soon by The Place at Wards Corner. Late in the decade, the 17,000-square-foot Corner Ltd. was opened on Virginia Beach Boulevard. Another VIP shop was opened at Hilltop in Virginia Beach about 1970.
But after about 10 years the numerous sites were more than the Laderbergs ``wanted,'' said Albert, now 76. By 1980 all the stores were closed but Dolly and Bobby, which was renamed The Zoo to attract older children.
Bruce and Sharon took over in '84. The boys' side was named GYMS (Ghent Young Men's Shop) and stocked with popular surf wear in addition to the traditional brand names. Laces shoe store was opened next door, and for a few years business was booming.
``Things were very good in the '80s,'' Sharon said. ``We had a long list of customers to call when the Gotcha madras shorts came in. Ten boxes for just one style of shorts. We've had great customers, but things change, and it's time to move on now.''
The couple saw the writing on the wall and has prepared for the end. Bruce started his own insurance agency a year ago. Sharon soon will go to work as a sales representative for a printing and publishing company. She also is looking forward to spending more time with their three children.
But the Laderbergs say they will think of the store often.
``I'll really miss the children,'' Sharon said. ``My first customer is in high school now.'' ILLUSTRATION: Staff photo by RICHARD L. DUNSTON
The Zoo's owners say their store's plight is another example of the
big retailers squeezing out the little guys.
by CNB