Iconic Red Wing Pottery store to close next month

The iconic Red Wing Pottery store will close its salesroom for good Dec. 24.

This is not the first time Red Wing Pottery has faced closure. In 2013, third-generation owner Scott Gillmer said Red Wing Pottery would close if the company didn't find a new buyer. Bruce Johnson and his wife, Irene, agreed to buy the company about a month later.

Now, the company is suing the separate Pottery Museum of Red Wing over the museum's use of the "red wing" insignia. Johnson says as a result of the lawsuit, he and his wife have faced threats and harassment.

"We've not necessarily felt safe as a family at times," Johnson said. "We have been partially in fear of things that could happen to us. And the stress we're under is just too much continue to operate the business effectively."

The store's 15 employees will lose their jobs. Johnson says his other company, Red Wing Stoneware, will continue making some products on a limited basis.