Why Not? Celebrating 50 Years on King Street

Old Town certainly has its fair share of institutions, but there may be few more beloved than Why Not?.

Located in the 200 block of King Street, the children’s clothing, books and toy store is celebrating its 50th anniversary on Saturday, Nov. 23. Store staff will be handing out gift bags to the day's first 50 customers and raffling off prizes from open to close, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.

“It’s just become such a mainstay of the community,” said current staff member Julianne Woehrle, who visited the shop as a child and joined the staff about a year ago. “The yellow bag with orange writing is so recognizable.”

In November 1963, three housewives opened Why Not? across the street from its current location. They offered women’s clothing and different accessories. Within a year, the shop moved to its present-day digs. 

Current owner Kate Schlabach has overseen Why Not? for the last 45 years, guiding the shop from women’s clothing to children’s accouterments.

Woehrle said it’s the attention to customers and Schlabach’s willingness to move with customer needs that has allowed the shop to succeed.

“It’s still narrowing, and she’s good at sticking with what’s really successful,” Woehrle said. “Schlabach is good at knowing what’s a good seller and what will work in the store.”

In gearing up for the holidays, Why Not? and will host Santa in the store Dec. 7 and Dec. 14. On Dec. 21, the shop will be open until midnight to accommodate shoppers.

Why Not? is located at 200 King St. in the heart of Old Town.  

This article has been updated since it was initially published to correct the dates of Santa's visits to Why Not?.