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Berkeley Hat Company to Close After 50 Years on Telegraph Ave

Berkeley Hat Company to Close After 50 Years on Telegraph Ave
Editorial
  • PublishedDecember 11, 2025

BREAKING: The iconic Berkeley Hat Company is set to close its doors after 50 years of serving the community on Telegraph Avenue. Located at 2510 Telegraph, the beloved shop will cease operations, marking an end to an era that began in the 1970s with the founding duo, Carol Lipnick and her late husband Ed Dougherty.

The decision to close comes as a shock to many local customers who have cherished the store for its unique selection of handcrafted hats, originally sold for just $8. The news was confirmed earlier today by Lipnick, who expressed her deep gratitude to the community for their support over the decades.

This closure signifies more than just the end of a business; it represents a loss of local culture and history. The Berkeley Hat Company has been a staple for generations, drawing in customers from across the Bay Area and beyond. As businesses continue to adapt in the face of economic challenges, the impact of this closure resonates deeply with patrons who fondly recall memories of shopping there.

The exact date of the closure has not yet been specified, but authorities report that the shop will remain open until further notice. Community members are encouraged to visit the store one last time to support the business and reminisce about its storied past.

What happens next? Local officials and community leaders are urging support for other long-standing businesses in the area, emphasizing the importance of maintaining Berkeley’s unique character amidst rapid changes in the retail landscape.

Stay tuned for further updates on this developing story, and share your memories of the Berkeley Hat Company as it prepares to close its doors for the last time.

Editorial
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Editorial

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