Windsor Gift Shop 'Memory Lane' to Close After 33 Years

Owner Dan Stauss to focus on woodworking and antique restoration business after May 9 closure

Published on Mar. 2, 2026

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After 33 years in business, the popular gift shop Memory Lane Antiques & Decor in Windsor, Colorado will be closing its doors on May 9. Owner Dan Stauss, who opened the shop in 1992 after resigning from his teaching and coaching job, plans to focus on his woodworking and antique restoration business in the back workshop space. A longtime employee is taking over the retail space to open her own gift shop.

Why it matters

Memory Lane has been a fixture in the Windsor community for over three decades, providing a unique shopping experience with its maze-like layout and wide selection of gifts, home decor, and antique furniture. The closure marks the end of an era for the beloved local business, but also highlights the changing retail landscape as small, independent shops face increasing competition from larger chains and online retailers.

The details

Stauss initially focused on antique furniture restoration and custom woodworking when he opened Memory Lane in 1992, later adding the gift shop portion a year later. Over the years, he expanded the shop by knocking down walls to connect surrounding storefronts, creating a labyrinth-like layout. While Stauss says he could continue the gift shop business, he's ready to simplify his life and focus more on his restoration work and spending time with his family, including visiting their only grandchild in Chicago.

  • Memory Lane Antiques & Decor opened in 1992.
  • Stauss added the gift shop portion to the business in 1993.
  • Stauss expanded the shop multiple times over the years by connecting surrounding storefronts.
  • Stauss' wife Theresa retired from teaching in 2016 and took over gift shop ordering responsibilities.
  • Memory Lane will close its doors on May 9, 2026.

The players

Dan Stauss

The 65-year-old owner of Memory Lane Antiques & Decor, who opened the shop in 1992 after resigning from his teaching and coaching job. He plans to focus on his woodworking and antique restoration business after the gift shop closes.

Theresa Stauss

Dan Stauss' wife, who retired from teaching at Greeley's Heath Middle School in 2016 and took over gift shop ordering responsibilities for Memory Lane.

Adele Lind-Nichols

A former student of Dan Stauss who is a regular customer at Memory Lane, coming in for the ambience and to remind Stauss that he still owes her Dairy Queen from more than three decades ago.

Memory Lane Antiques & Decor

The gift shop and antique restoration business that Dan Stauss opened in 1992 in Windsor, Colorado.

Future Owner

A longtime employee of Memory Lane who plans to open her own gift shop in the retail space after Stauss closes the business.

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What they’re saying

“It's such a pillar in the community. It's been here for so long.”

— Adele Lind-Nichols, Regular Customer (greeleytribune.com)

“I think I was fortunate. I made my passion into my vocation. I've always had the same excitement for what I do. When I wake up, I get to go to the store and meet so many neat people.”

— Dan Stauss, Owner, Memory Lane Antiques & Decor (greeleytribune.com)

What’s next

The future owner plans to open her own gift shop in the Memory Lane retail space after Stauss closes the business on May 9.

The takeaway

The closure of the beloved Memory Lane gift shop after 33 years in business highlights the challenges facing small, independent retailers in the face of growing competition from larger chains and online shopping. However, the shop's legacy as a community pillar and Stauss' passion for his work serve as an inspiring example of how small businesses can thrive by staying true to their values and connecting with their local customers.