Hackettstown Hardware Store To Shutter After Six Decades
HACKETTSTOWN, NJ - Main Street in Hackettstown is about to grow a little darker. After six decades, Home Towne Hardware is permanently closing its doors, another victim of the COVID-19 pandemic.
“We want to thank all our friends and customers for the privilege of being able to serve you for so long,” the business posted to social media on Jan. 17, announcing their impending closure.
The business was recently chosen as one of Patch's businesses of the year in 2020.
The business was nominated by Patch readers as a business of the year for managing to navigate the turbulence with steadfast determination and an unwavering commitment to the clients they serve.
"Hometown Hardware is a throwback to the past. This store, though not as big as the Lowes and Home Depots is packed full of anything and everything needed to make repairs, cleaning, grilling and gardening. Not to mention all of the decorative items for both indoors and out," Mary Jane Schubert told Patch. "The staff is very knowledgeable and helpful. Ask them for anything, and they'll take you right to it with a smile and will answer any questions. This place is the best."
According to their website, Home Towne Hardware has been serving the community since 1964 with a full line of hardware and general merchandise.
"This business has been able to sustain a safe environment while providing much needed merchandise to it's customers," Joseph Spitz said. "It has a wide variety of merchandise and the staff is always knowledgeable and helpful. The customer feels pandemic safe in the store compared to having to use a big box store in this environment."
But it was perhaps Joyce Polack who cut right to the point.
"Great merchandise, holiday decorations and plants," she said.
News of the closure prompted a swift response on social media.
"Came in to have duplicate keys made for our 1972 Plymouth Station Wagon last spring and you guys didn't charge us a dime," Wil Sperry posted to Facebook. "We've been loyal supporters/customers ever since and sing your praises to others every chance we get. Small gestures go a long way. You'll be sadly missed. Best wishes for a healthy and happy retirement."
Harriet Livingston Kerwin noted her own sadness, and said every town needs a hardware store. That sadness was echoed by Laura Fichter.
"Sad to hear. I went to Rockaway Sales (the businesses original name) with my father as a child for all he needed to fix things at home," she wrote. "Those sidewalk sales were so much fun. When we bought our home 25 years ago, you were there with everything we needed from paint and spackle to plants and window screens. We will so miss our Home Town Hardware store right around the corner."
The owners noted in their post that the "exceptionally unusual and trying year to be in business” took a toll.
“We did weather through the turbulence but not without some personal cost. It is time to say goodbye. This journey is over,” they wrote.
The final day of operation has not been determined. Between now and then, there will be clearance sales on all merchandise. The store’s final day open was not announced, though clearance sales are ongoing, the post said.
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This article originally appeared on the Hackettstown Patch
