After almost 100 years, the Eilers Furs legacy is still thriving, while keeping people toasty and stylish. For new owner Brandy Ann Fiala, it’s been an honor keeping the tradition of fur alive in South Dakota.
In 1927, William Eilers Sr. launched the store in Huron with a passion for furs and fashion, which eventually became the largest furrier saloon in the state.
While Huron is still the home of Eilers’s fur vault, in 1975 his sons Clint and William Jr. Eilers moved the storefront to Sioux Falls, along with store expansion across the upper Midwest.
“Today we still use the Huron location for our cold storage and fur cleaning services,” said furrier Fiala.
Since taking over the business in 2023, Fiala has expanded from four service locations to over 15 throughout South Dakota, North Dakota, Minnesota, Iowa, and Michigan.
“Eilers has always valued the importance of community and customer relationships, ensuring everyone who walks through the doors of Eilers Furs feels valued, respected, and appreciated,” she added.
Along with new garments from high quality, trusted sources, Eilers also sells vintage furs, blending historic senses of fashion and modern style.
“We are the last guardians of an age-old tradition, preserving the art of fur crafting with passion, pride, and a steadfast commitment to quality,” added Fiala.
Learn more about Fiala, furs, and Eilers’ full-service preservation offerings.
FULL-SERVICE PRESERVATION ECOSYSTEM
BECAUSE NATURAL FUR IS AN ORGANIC MATERIAL THAT DEGRADES IF LEFT IN A STANDARD HOME CLOSET, EILERS FURS PROVIDES A SPECIALIZED CARE ROUTINE THAT TYPICAL DRY CLEANERS CAN’T OFFER. THEIR MULTISTEP IN-HOUSE ECOSYSTEM INCLUDES:
1. Climate-Controlled Vaulting: They operate custom, continuous-airflow cold storage vaults maintained strictly between 50°F and 60°F with optimized humidity controls to keep the pelts from drying out or attracting pests.
2. Abrasion-Based Cleaning: Rather than utilizing liquid immersion solvents that ruin fur, they clean garments using an industrial tumbling drum method utilizing custom-formulated sawdust and crushed walnut shells to lift out oils and build-up.
3. Glazing & Conditioning: A specialized oil-conditioning process designed to restore a natural, glossy sheen and keep the underlying leather base soft and pliable over generations.
4. Direct Regional Concierge Service: To accommodate clients across their multi-state territory, Eilers Furs operates a unique mobile routing service. They coordinate personalized regional spring pickups to gather coats for summer vault storage, and follow up with tailored fall drop-offs directly to clients across various communities in North Dakota, South Dakota, Minnesota, Iowa, and Michigan.
“What we wear defines how we present ourselves. When you look good, you feel good.”
BRANDY ANN FIALA
Natural Furs Over Synthetics Every Day
Nothing is warmer than natural fur and leather. Natural materials are an environmentally-friendly source of renewal fashion that make us feel fabulous! The flow of the garment and quality of skins is hand-selected by manufacturers. A beautiful piece is a showstopper, and the natural materials let you breathe without overheating.
Vintage or Modern Fur Flair? Fiala’s Favorites
I love full-length vintage mink. Nothing is warmer with our bitter South Dakota winds. Just because it’s cold outside, doesn’t mean we have to be cold. A full-length garment provides both warmth and timeless fashion. Furs can be dressed up or down—I wear mine from the grocery store, to work, or to a cocktail dinner. As far as modern pieces go, the light-weight options are my favorite for the warmer winter days as of recent years—both work for the falland spring seasons. The light-weight options give me the option to wear fur in three out of four seasons.
Eilers Furs Fun Fact
We are the only full-service furrier salon in the tri-state area.
Tips and Tricks for Fur and Leather Care Straight from the Source.
Regular cleaning and brushing remove trapped dust, oils, and environmental pollutants that cause matting, dullness, or fading. Proper storage avoids rot from excess moisture, shrinkage, or pest damage (like moths) that easily ruin organic collagen fibers. High-quality leather goods and luxury furs are durable only when actively maintained, saving you from costly premature repairs and replacements.
Restyling, Customizing, Adjusting, Oh My!
We can do just about anything! Shorten garments, lengthen sleeves, update collars, replace worn fur with fresh pelts, or do something entirely new like pillows, teddy bears, capes, vests, scarves, attach fur to a favorite garment, or replace faux fur with the real thing.
Familial Inspiration
Being able to provide for my family with the freedom to operate a small business is my American dream come true.
Staying Local, Getting Involved
I’m a member of Sioux Empire Pink Ladies, Philanthropic Educational Organization D.C. Chapter, Ashrama Daughters of the Nile, Sioux Falls Chamber, and South Dakota Retailers Association. I’m also on the board for The Premier Playhouse.
Go-to Tunes
I love classic outlaw country music from artists like Kris Kristofferson, Merle Haggard, Johnny Cash, and George Jones.
Five Facts About Fiala
1. I was the 2013 Miss South Dakota America and won Miss Congeniality!
2. I have triplet sisters.
3. As an avid kayaker, I’m a member of South Dakota Canoe & Kayak Association.
4. My favorite Sioux Falls restaurant is Jack Rose Social Club.
5. My all-time favorite fur is a Finland Fox.
FOR MORE INFORMATION, VISIT EILERSFURS.COM+
