Newtown Hardware House Set to Close
The Newtown Borough staple is set to close after over 100 years in operation.
Photos
Thursday, Sept. 20:
Tuesday, Sept. 18:
With it’s red brick exterior and large display windows filled with various items on display, Newtown Hardware House has been a staple of South State Street in the borough for several lifetimes. In just weeks time, the store is set to close for good, according to a 8x11 computer paper sign posted in the window of the classic-looking store.
“The closing of Newtown Hardware is a major hit to the Newtown Borough business district,” President of the Newtown Business Association Mick Petrucci said Tuesday morning.
With the international downturn in the economy, increasing rent, the rise of big box hardware giants and huge growth in online shopping, stores like Newtown Hardware House have faced increasing competition. Many have not been able to keep up with the lack of sales tax, low prices and quick shipping that faceless internet retailers can offer.
Members of the community have worked over the past two years to try to turn the tide and help the 142-year-old wood floored store survive.
In 2011, the staff of the store and community supporters passed out thousands of “Save Newtown Hardware” bumper stickers in an effort to increase sales.
Then in April of this year, locals surprised the store with a “cash mob.” The mob dropped in on a Saturday morning and were encouraged to spend at least $20 in the store. Turnout for the event was huge, according to Phillyburbs.com.
Petrucci said Newtown Hardware House, mom-and-pop retail and dining establishments are what make Main Street USA towns like Newtown so special.
David Callahan, owner of the Newtown Hardware House, is a “true Newtownian who gives so much back to the community,” Petrucci said.
Petrucci was not not clear as to what will happened with the storefront where the hardware shop sits now, but he will keep his “ear to the pavement.”
"I think we will survive," Callahan responded when asked by the Philadelphia Inquirer in 2011 on whether the Newtown Hardware House would still be around in five years.
What are your thoughts on the closing of Newtown Hardware House? Share your thoughts in the comments section.
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Marilyn Smith-Scarpa
1:33 pm on Tuesday, September 18, 2012
This is terrible news. Dave Callahan, a Council Rock Education Foundation Outstanding Community Partner Awardee, is a fixture in the community. He has been paramount in the well-being of both Newtown and the Council Rock School District. He's irreplaceable. What will we do now? I do wish him the best of luck in whatever the future brings.
Ellen
5:41 pm on Tuesday, September 18, 2012
Newtown Hardware closing? Very sad news and a loss to the entire community.
Man Landers
6:58 pm on Tuesday, September 18, 2012
I will miss the Hardware House and agree it's sad to see the end of an era. I'm so glad we still have Ace though - they have helpful service, easy parking, and fair prices.
Jeffrey Goffman
7:57 pm on Tuesday, September 18, 2012
So sorry to see a Newtown staple go. Mr. Callahan has helped me solve many a "homeowner's dilemma" over the years. Best of luck to him, his family and staff. Thank you for all you've given to our community. God bless... You will be missed.
the VOICE
12:18 am on Wednesday, September 19, 2012
SAD.
Jen V
7:16 am on Wednesday, September 19, 2012
Thank you for your service to our Newtown Community and for your diligent efforts to keep the store running. We are blessed to have such a dedicated citizen and wish you the best of luck.
Andrew Lasner
7:56 am on Wednesday, September 19, 2012
Dave you are a great community supporter and a town leader. You will be missed.
D C Signs
8:31 am on Wednesday, September 19, 2012
sad news
Karen
8:58 am on Wednesday, September 19, 2012
Very sad news. Living in Newtown all my life I have seen so many iconic businesses close. Hoover's Pharmacy, The Colonial 5 & 10, Davis's Hardware Store, Hibb's Hardware Store, Pat Carlton's store, and the ice cream store on the corner of Washington and State street. The list could go on and on. Wishing Dave years of happy retirement and we hope to still see you around town! You will be missed!
White Bear
9:08 am on Wednesday, September 19, 2012
Oh, Dave! Say it isn't so...
Marji
10:41 am on Wednesday, September 19, 2012
This is such sad news. Large chain stores can't match the type of service that Newtown Hardware has provided to this community. It will be missed.
Ed
2:58 pm on Wednesday, September 19, 2012
Good article Tom (people also check out Jeff's in the Advance). The entire area will miss this outstanding business with outstanding customer service, involved community relationships, and top of the line products. As for Ace Hardware - we tried them when they opened and were and have been disappointed with the quality of the products. Tools lasted days or weeks. A shovel bought at Ace busted far too quickly with excuses of why, so I went back to Newtown Hardware where they don't sell crap. I spent more but bought a real shovel and it has lasted. These are tough times even for top of the line quality businesses like Newtown Hardware. We will miss you. Take care ...
Ed
7:15 pm on Wednesday, September 19, 2012
HEAD UP. Jeff at Advance reporting "Great news! Just learned that Dave Callahan has a buyer for Newtown Hardware House". Tom - get on it!! But hey at least this blog thread isn't full of ugly disrespect, name calling, and all knowingness.
Becky
7:14 am on Thursday, September 20, 2012
I have lived in Newtown borough & township for over 35 years and this is just one MORE sad closing chapter to the town that "used to be". I thank the supervisors who first let the 7-11 in and after that, it was a free for all with the big box stores, lack of parking, horrendous traffic, and people moving into the area who complained that there was "nothing to do" and tried to change the flavor of our community. I frankly just want to sell my house and move to a "small town" which Newtown no longer can be considered. The cheap housing that has overrun the area, and the "thousandaires" who have taken over our once quiet, unassuming town are also to blame. Go Toll Brothers and pathetic supervisors - you did an excellent job of destroying what many of us used to love. I'm sorry Dave, I really am.
Tom Sofield
11:22 am on Thursday, September 20, 2012
The store is set to remain opening under new ownership. We are working on gathering more information. - TS
Tom Sofield
1:57 pm on Thursday, September 20, 2012
Here are the details on Newtown Hardware House being saved - http://patch.com/A-xVWY