Adolph and William Warshal opened a pawn shop in downtown Seattle in 1922. In 1936 it moved to First and Madison and expanded into sporting goods, which became its primary business during the decades it remained at that location. Two branch stores were opened in the 1950s and 1960s, one in Ravenna and one near Northgate, but both eventually closed. However, the main store continued to thrive and became a downtown landmark with a loyal customer base buying hunting and fishing gear, cameras, and camping and sports equipment. The store closed in 2001 and the large Warshal's neon sign is now in MOHAI's collection.