Winona Knits announced today it's closing eleven of its twelve retail stores across the country. The company began in the 1970s as an outgrowth of Winona Knitting Mills and sells high-end sweaters, mittens and other apparel. Stores in six states will close but the company will keep its namesake store in Winona. CEO Pete Woodsworth says the closings allow Winona Knits to focus on its internet and catalog divisions: