Idaho Business Review IBR
Lori Ambur (left) and Lori Wright (right) at Newt & Harold’s in Boise. Photo by Erika Sather-Smith.
Newt & Harold’s, a fixture for Boise skateboarders and snowboarders for 30 years, is closing its doors.
The business will start winding down beginning Aug. 22 with an inventory reduction sale, lasting a few weeks.
Lori Wright and Lori Ambur have been business partners for more than 30 years. Ambur ran the organizational and financial aspects of the business, and Wright focused on marketing and inventory.
After they close Newt & Harold’s, the two – referred to as “The Loris” by staff – will remain partners in their ownership of the buildings, on Broadway Avenue between University Drive and Belmont Street, that house Newt & Harold’s, Burger Belly, R Bar, Pita Pit, U-Swirl Frozen yogurt and Verizon Wireless. The buildings are managed by Thornton Oliver Keller.
Wright and Ambur said they were leaving retail because the industry has changed sharply since they opened, and especially in the last decade. Because of the online marketplace, “We’re competing with our own vendors,” Wright said. The two looked for prospective buyers, but ultimately decided to close the shop.
The two said they will also continue working to revitalize Rhodes Park, a skateboard park between 15th and 16th Streets under the Connector on-ramp.
