A popular New Jersey hardware store is closing its doors after more than 100 years in business.
Saunders Hardware in Montclair has been open on Valley Road since 1893, but after 131 years in business, store owner Tom Vultee is retiring.
After failing to find anyone to buy the family store, Vultee sold the building and is in the process of removing 177,000 items from the store’s inventory.
In addition to selling a variety of hardware, many locals know the store as a warm and welcoming place that has helped shape the North Jersey town.
‘It’s interaction: personal interaction, discovery. The fact that there are people you can actually talk to,” said Julian, one of Saunders’ many clients. PIX11.
Saunders Hardware in Montclair, New Jersey, is closing after owner Tom Vultee decided to retire. The store has been open for 131 years.
Vultee has long been the heart of the store, as customers revealed that they go there frequently to talk to him and catch up.
Vultee has long been the heart of the store, as customers revealed that they frequently go there to talk to him and catch up.
‘Everyone knows him. It’s sad to see it go,’ said Brian White, another long-time customer.
White joined Vultee at the store on Friday as they hugged and the owner became emotional.
He’s an old friend. He’s as special as any other old friend who visits the hardware store,” Vultee said.
“It brings tears to my eyes,” he added as he wiped his face.
Vultee revealed that the recent death of a former employee, Rob Howard, is what really prompted him to close the store.
‘Very emotional. It was like the straw that broke the camel’s back, you know: “What am I doing here?” I should spend time with my family,” Vultee said.
A photo of Howard was seen hanging inside the store along with other items in memory of the employee who worked at the store for the past 24 years.
As the store nears its end, Vultee has made arrangements with the new buyer to keep it open for some time to try to clear out inventory.
Vultee is seen hugging longtime client and friend Brian White on Friday as he became emotional about the news.
Vultee revealed that the recent death of a former employee, Rob Howard, is what really prompted him to close the store. (image: a small memorial installed in the store for Howard)
Any items left will be donated to Habitat for Humanity, a nonprofit organization dedicated to housing construction.
“They benefit, they can take care of people,” Vultee said.
Everything in the store is 30 percent off, as Vultee said his hardware store has always had what everyone needs.
‘I still have guys who have been here for 20 years saying to me, “Do you have that?” And I tell them where it is and they’ll say, ‘I didn’t know we had that,'” Vultee said.
After word spread about the closure, heartbroken locals and customers flocked to social media to say goodbye to the store and Vultee.
‘Oh no! “We depend on these guys and it’s been great to have them in our plaza,” one wrote.
Everything in the store has been marked down to 30 percent off in an effort to eliminate 177,000 items from the store’s inventory. What is not sold will be donated to a non-profit organization.
Another said: ‘Saunders is a true institution for Montclair. “I love walking in there, everyone is so helpful and always has a positive attitude.”
“I remember walking in here with my parents when I was a kid,” another person wrote.
Montclair is known for being a small, affluent suburb, filled with small shops like Saunder’s, popular restaurants, parks, and the public Montclair State University.
The average cost of a home in the city is approximately $988,800, according to PODS.
With a population of more than 39,700 and 6.3 square miles, the city is known for its walkable space for small businesses and local retailers.
