Schulze News Co. to Close in January

Fifty years after its founders started doing business from a tent in the Avenue area of west Ventura, magazine distributor Schulze News Co. will close on Jan. 24.

On Friday, company President Dave Schulze, 53, called the nearly 30 employees together at the headquarters on Palma Drive in Ventura to break the news. He cited competition among distributors as the reason for the closure.

He said Schulze News Co. will consolidate certain assets with 11 other distributors, from San Diego to Atascadero, to form a new company.

According to one employee, who requested anonymity, some of the employees at the meeting left in tears. “Some of them have been there more than 20 years. A lot of them are worried about the future,” said the employee.

Schulze News Co. handles primarily magazines and paperback books, including English and Spanish titles, as well as collectible cards, children’s books and coloring books, Schulze said. Its 450 customers are located across Ventura County and the western portion of the San Fernando Valley.

“Business is very difficult, especially for small, independent companies,” Schulze said. “This year just hasn’t been profitable in the magazine business.”

Schulze said the move makes sense from a business perspective, but there is sadness among family members.

“We’ve been in this business a long time and we’ve tried to provide employment for people. Yes, it’s sad. But we’re fortunate to have 50 years of business,” he said.