Mt. Lebanon family announces closure of Mike Feinberg Co. in Strip District
Words like “institution,” “landmark” and “legend” are bandied about constantly, but in most cases they stretch the definitions.
Not so with Mike Feinberg Co., the legendary landmark and institution of Pittsburgh’s Strip District. For the region’s residents who seek party supplies and sports merchandise, Feinberg has been the place to go for six decades. For another two months, that is.
Mt. Lebanon resident Marcia Feinberg, daughter of the store’s founder, has announced its closure at the end of April.
“It was a family decision,” she said. “We’re a very close family. It just seemed to be the right timing.”
Or it’s as close as you can get.
“There’s never a good time,” Feinberg admitted, “and you want to go out on a high. It was very bittersweet; believe me. People come in whom I’ve been dealing with for 30 years, and it’s hard, because a lot of customers are like family. I tell everybody, I don’t know their names, but I know their life histories.”
Her father and mother, Mike and Sylvia, founded the business in the mid-1950s. Mike died in 2007, but Sylvia still is going strong.
“My mom’s there,” Marcia said about her continued presence at the store. “She’s 88. She still works five days a week.”
And it’s good to keep the place well-staffed these days.
“It’s been crazy since the news came out. We’ve been swamped,” Feinberg said, reporting the typical customer’s reaction to the announcement: “They’re all shocked. Shocked, stunned and can’t believe it.”
A 1977 graduate of Mt. Lebanon High School, she grew up with the business, which has proved to be a mostly enjoyable experience, given the types of products offered.
“Most people are in a good mood when they come here,” she said. “It’s fun.”
She will join other members of the family – including her siblings, Elaine and Alan, and Mike and Sylvia’s grandchildren Michael, Jesse and Zia – in celebrating Mike Feinberg Day in the Strip on March 26, welcoming Pittsburgh Mayor Peduto to read a proclamation.
In the meantime, the doors to 1736 Penn Ave. will remain open long enough for those who haven’t had the experience to pay Mike Feinberg Co. a visit.
As the company’s website says: “After all, where can you find a Whoopee cushion and an Infinity Mirror with Jesus on the same shelf!”