3 days ago
Beloved store shuts down after 90 years as crisis faces businesses nationwide
Frentz & Sons Hardware is closing after more than 90 years of business, becoming the latest victim of the growing retail apocalypse.
Owners of the legendary Michigan store John, Mike, and Chip Frentz, confirmed the heart wrenching news in a Facebook post on July 17.
'While the reasons are personal, we can share that changing economic realities, rising costs, and the challenges of running a small business in today's environment factored into this decision,' the family wrote.
'At the same time, the three of us are now in our retirement years and are looking ahead to the next stage of our lives.'
The hardware store had been a family-owned business since 1932 and a legendary store in the town of Royal Oak.
'We've always prided ourselves on having what you need, especially regarding the unique hardware and knowledge that older homes require,' they wrote.
'But more than that, we've been proud to know so many of you by name, help with your projects big and small, and be a trusted neighbor in the community we love so much.'
The Frentz family did not announce the date the store would shutter, but they said they are in the process of putting the building and property up for sale.
Facebook users were heartbroken to learn about the beloved store's closure, and couldn't help but look back at the fond memories they had of Frentz & Sons.
'My dad used to shop for our Christmas presents in your toy department. As I began to make and show my sculpture and other art I came to you countless times for tools and hardware and paint supplies,' a commenter wrote.
'1962? I had saved $3 in my piggy bank. Mom and dad took me to Frentz to let me spend my first money on an Etch a Sketch. Vivid memory of the whole day,' a customer responded.
'I remember coming here in the 60s with my dad and meeting all the Frentz! Great store and wonderful people to work with,' another person wrote.
'Thanks for teaching a youngster, like me and I'm sure many others, about tools and how to do a job correctly.'
'I went in the store with my dad often in the 50s and 60s and I think that's why I still enjoy and feel comfortable in hardware stores,' a customer added.
Others gave brief shout outs to Mike and Chip, and revealed they became friends with them after meeting them in the store.
Several other customers admitted to being heartbroken, but wished the Frentz family luck on their upcoming endeavors.
The Frentz family began their longtime hardware business in 1925, when Mike's father and grandfather opened their own store.
While running the business, they would pass by a building in Royal Oak when traveling by street car to see relatives.
Mike's father and grandfather discovered a building for sale during one of their trips, which would go on to become the hardware store's home.
'My grandfather was in his 80s at that time, so basically my dad took the business over when he moved to Royal Oak,' Mike told Royal Oak Schools, adding that he was only 21 at the time.
While the business was still selling toys, Mike and his siblings would spend time riding tricycles when the business would be closed on Sundays.
'As I got into junior high, I started working a little bit... My dad would pay me out of the pocket for doing odd jobs,' Mike revealed.
'When I got into high school... I kind of started working more solid hours where I was scheduled and had a regular paycheck. I've been there ever since.'
While Mike and his family are unsure of what the future holds, they plan to be around to serve customers with their hardware needs for as long as they can before the sale of the building is finalized.
Frentz & Sons is not the only business to say its final goodbyes this year.
The family-owned business Trees n Trends is planning to shutter its stores this year after 30 years.
Trees n Trends has been offering 25 to 50 percent off discounts on products from all six locations and will continue operating until everything is sold.
Joann shuttered all of its stores after filing for bankruptcy protection for the second time in two years earlier this year.
The once-popular craft store was a family-owned business from 1943 until 2011, when it was purchased by Leonard Green & Partners. It went on to suffer financial difficulty for several years before shuttering its final locations in May.
Outside of retail, Hector's Café and Diner in New York City served its final customers on July 18.
The diner was a prime restaurant in the meatpacking district frequented by crew members from Law & Order.
Its financial situation and changes in the neighborhood were too much for the business to handle, and its final blow was the city's decision to expand the Whitney Museum and build large offices and a 600-foot residential tower.
