– Founder Ritu Jain Announces Retirement After Three Decades of Serving the Iowa City Community –
(Iowa City, IA) March 31, 2025 – Downtown Iowa City celebrates an extraordinary legacy as Textiles (109 S. Dubuque St) marks the culmination of a 34-year journey. After more than three decades as a cornerstone of downtown Iowa City’s retail landscape, Textiles owner Ritu Jain has announced her retirement and the closing of her women’s clothing store. The iconic store, which has been a fixture on the Pedestrian Mall since 1992, has flourished as one of the district’s most beloved and enduring businesses, helping women express their individual style through comfortable, quality clothing.
Founded in 1991 as a fabric store on Linn Street before transitioning to women’s clothing, Textiles has embodied Jain’s lifelong passion for fashion and her philosophy that “Life is too short to be uncomfortable.” The store has become known for offering women’s clothing that celebrates individual style while prioritizing comfort and quality materials. “Apparently I was six years old when I announced to my parents that I wanted to own my own business. Opening Textiles in 1991 was truly a dream come true,” said Jain. “Now after 34 years, it is time for me to retire. Owning and running Textiles has been one of the greatest joys of my life.”
Textiles has played a vital role in developing downtown Iowa City as a thriving retail destination. As one of the oldest continuously operating soft goods businesses in the district, the store has helped establish downtown as a premier shopping destination for soft goods and women’s clothing.
Throughout its history, Textiles has been an active participant in the Iowa City Downtown District. Jain served on the ICDD Board of Directors, providing valuable input for the business community and helping to establish core retail events while also being a strong advocate for the arts, working alongside the Eastside Artists group to promote creativity in the community. “I have loved being a part of the downtown business community and the ICDD,” Jain added. “All my customers and employees have left a mark on my life and I am the better for it. I am grateful for all of their support and friendship these past 34 years. I will miss you all.”
Betsy Potter, Executive Director of the Iowa City Downtown District, reflected on Textiles’ significant contributions to the downtown landscape: “Ritu and Textiles have been instrumental in shaping downtown Iowa City’s retail core for over three decades. Her commitment to quality, community engagement, and retail innovation has helped establish our downtown as a vibrant shopping destination. Ritu’s participation on our board and her leadership in developing signature events like our annual Shop Crawls, Sidewalk Sales, and Gallery Walks created a blueprint for retail success that countless other businesses have followed. While we’ll miss her tremendous presence in our business community, her legacy will continue to influence downtown for years to come.”
Jain’s journey with Textiles is a testament to entrepreneurial spirit and community connection. Starting with just 10-15 pieces of clothing from India in a small space on Linn Street, she has grown the business into a downtown institution. After moving to its current location on the Pedestrian Mall in 1992, Textiles doubled in size and sales, allowing Jain to expand her inventory and eventually transition to an apparel-only store. The impact of Textiles extends beyond retail. One customer famously told Jain she moved to Iowa City because of Textiles after her sister recommended both the city and the store during a job search.
While the store is closing, Jain remains optimistic about her continued connection to the community. “Iowa City being the great place that it is, I am confident I will see you all at concerts, farmers markets, Hancher events, Artsfest, and at all the other wonderful events downtown. Thank you all for being a part of my life.”
Jain has expressed interest in selling the business to a new owner who could continue the Textiles legacy. With its established customer base and reputation for quality, Textiles represents a turnkey opportunity for the right entrepreneur. Anyone interested in purchasing the business should contact Ritu Jain directly.
For entrepreneurs interested in exploring this or other downtown opportunities, the Iowa City Downtown District and the City of Iowa City’s Economic Development Division have created a valuable resource. LocateDowntownIowaCity.com provides comprehensive information about available properties and business resources in the downtown area. The website features an interactive property database, market insights, demographics, and success stories of thriving downtown businesses. Prospective business owners are encouraged to use the “Find Your Space” survey tool on the website to share their specific needs. “Whether you’re an entrepreneur launching your first venture, a company eager to relocate downtown, or a business seeking expansion opportunities – Tell us about your business and the space requirements you have in mind, and we’ll work with you to find the perfect location among our available or future opportunities,” said Potter.
As Textiles prepares to close its doors, the Iowa City community celebrates more than three decades of a business that has helped countless women find their personal style with comfort and confidence. Textiles’ legacy will continue to be felt in the vibrant downtown retail scene that Jain helped cultivate through her dedication, vision, and unwavering commitment to quality and community.
