WHITEFISH BAY – Yellow Wood, the independently owned outdoor gear and apparel retailer co-founded by Moshe and Debra Katz, Susan Masket, and Marty Stilling will close its doors at the end of March 2026 after 11 years of service to the North Shore and broader Midwest outdoor communities.
Since opening in 2015, Yellow Wood has become far more than a retail store. Known for its thoughtfully curated collection of premium outdoor gear and apparel, the shop built a loyal following through hands-on product expertise, environmental stewardship, and a deeply personal approach to customer service, according to a press release.
“Yellow Wood was never just about selling gear,” said owner Moshe Katz, who is a longtime Jewsh community supporter and volunteer. “It became a gathering place for kids after school, for friends to linger and talk, and for travelers to discover brands they’d often never heard of to keep them safe and comfortable amidst their adventures around the world.”
The shop earned a reputation for its commitment to quality, sustainability, and real-world ‘pro-testing.’ Staff and owners personally tested most of the gear Yellow Wood sold, hiking in Patagonia, Base Camp Everest, Machu Picchu, and Kilimanjaro. Customers proudly shared photos of their travels with Yellow Wood’s flag in destinations near and far.
“Our staff is one of the things we’re most proud of,” said Katz, adding that “they are hard working, deeply knowledgeable, and truly driven by customer experience. Any business that values integrity, curiosity, and exceptional service would be lucky to have them. We hope other local employers will see them as the incredible asset they are.”
Yellow Wood has donated more than $100,000 to 50 organizations across Greater Milwaukee since 2015. The shop’s staff, an eclectic mix of students, outdoor enthusiasts, and retail professionals, helped establish Yellow Wood as a cornerstone of Whitefish Bay’s business district.
In their closing letter to the community, Moshe and Debra Katz shared some of their most cherished memories over the years. “Yellow Wood has been a defining chapter of our lives,” Katz said, “and we are profoundly grateful to everyone who walked through our doors, worked alongside us, and trusted us to be part of their journeys.”
Yellow Wood will remain open through March 2026.
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