Dorman’s Lighting & Design announced this morning that after 78 years of serving the Baltimore community, it will be closing their doors in the coming months. The company has one retail location at 1524 York Road, Lutherville, MD

Founded in 1941, the lighting and design retailer has endured changing consumer habits and product trends. Steady declines in customer traffic and sales have made the business no longer sustainable - forcing the doors to close.

“The decision to close the business was exceptionally hard and not without much thought.” states Stan Dorman, owner of the company. “My health has also played a role and the lure of retirement is certainly a contributing factor in making this resolution. We realize this impacts the lives of our 14 wonderful employees and the design community. With declining sales - there comes a time when you need to make the hard, but inevitable, decision to close the doors,” continued Dorman.

Dorman started dusting shelves for his father, Gerson Dorman, at Dorman’s Electric Supply store in 1941, when it was located on Lexington Street in Baltimore.

Staff lighting designers have witnessed the changing retail environment first-hand as they spend hours working the floor with customers. Internet shopping has eroded sales for retail businesses. Trends in the industry that has impacted small retail businesses with manufacturers selling directly to consumers, and through Amazon. Many manufacturers have their own direct-to-consumer websites - providing free shipping, discounts to customers, yielding them a higher margin than selling to a retail store.

“There is little comfort in seeing fellow independent retail stores forced to close their doors”, said Dorman. “Unfortunately, we know we’re not alone. We’ve had a very long run, but now is the time to turn the lights out. We are thankful for the the many friends we have made along the way” continues Dorman.

The store will be open regular hours during the Retirement Sale and will remain open until allin-store inventory is sold.Though the Lutherville retail store will be closing, they will be available by appointment only for larger, special orders. All existing orders will be processed after our closing - until they are completed.

The Retirement Sale begins immediately with discounts starting at 30% off and special bargains as much as 70% off.