The Pipefitter, a State Street Stalwart for nearly 50 years, is going out of business

 

Wisconsin State Journal, 4/15/2021

The Pipefitter, a head shop that has been a Downtown staple since 1972, has announced that it has closed its doors for good. 

In social media posts by the store on Tuesday, there was no mention of the pandemic, but it appeared to be an underlying reason for the decision. 

[snip]

The store, that for years was at 517 State St. before moving across the street in 2007, sold bongs, pipes, rolling papers, gas masks, scented candles and CBD products. In the early 2000s, Hinkley would convert half of his 3,000-square-foot store into space for Halloween costumes. During the holiday shopping season of 1994, the shop promoted a windowsill planter for catnip, and in 2004, actively opposed a proposed Madison minimum wage of $7.75.

Other State Street posts:

2020
Paul's Books.  (6/16/2020)

2019
State Street Stalwarts.  (12/10/2019)
Another empty storefront to appear on State Street in Madison WI.  (5/17/2019)
UPDATE: Boutique or not boutique? That is the question.  (4/8/2019)
UPDATE: Last house standing on State Street: You can't paint it black.  (4/2/2019)
Madison Then and Now: 652 State Street.  (3/5/2019)
This State Street Stalwart is now in its 64th year of business.  (1/1/2019)

2018
Three Dog Night is touring.  (12/26/2018)
No, Warby Parker is not a bookstore whose shelves have yet to be delivered.  (12/26/2018)

2016
A brightly lit, empty restaurant interior.  (1/15/2016)
This restaurant opening is overdue.  (1/15/2016)

2015
Another State Street stalwart is closing its doors for good.  (9/26/2015)
A State Street stalwart closes up shop.  (7/30/2015)
UPDATE:  State Street Stalwarts, 6 years later.  (2/1/2015)

2014
State Street Stalwart Going Out of Business: Shakti (1971-2014).  (1/4/2014)