ORONO — An Orono hardware store is shutting down after more than 120 years in business.
Owner Lin White Jr. says he’s closing down Park’s Hardware because there’s just not much call for small neighborhood hardware stores anymore. He’s marking everything down 20 percent before shutting his doors at the end of August.
The business was founded in 1892 by Fred Park. White has owned the store for the last 23 years.
Loyal customers lamented the decision.
Robert Allen tells WABI-TV that Park’s stocks just about everything, and if they don’t have it, they can get it.
“The store to me is the greatest in hardware store in the state. Even though it’s small they have more variety than the bigger stores,” said Ross Ludders, another customer.
Other customers say they love the helpful and friendly staff.
White says he plans to renovate the building into space for four retail businesses.
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