LANCASTER, Ohio — It's the end of an era for a local central Ohio hardware store.
Slater's Hardware, located in Lancaster, is preparing to close its doors for good after 78 years in business.
"What pushed us to close is times are changing as far as the way people shop," said Steve Slater, one of the store’s current owners. "It's just time for us to try something different."
The family-owned business was opened by Slater's grandparents in 1946. His grandfather was a builder, so his grandmother had the idea to open up a hardware store. The family owned Westside Coal, also in Lancaster at the time, and sold it to use the money to start up the hardware store.
Since then, Slater's Hardware has grown and now expands over four generations. Even their employees have become family.
"In college, I was taught one major thing, you do what successful people did and that's what Mr. Slater did. I worked an awful lot with Mr. Slater during my younger years," said Lee Nixon who has worked with the Slater's for 56 years. "It's been a big impact on me, I'm going to miss it."
As a way to say thank you to the community, Slater's is holding a gratitude party on Jan. 26 and 27 at the store, located at 1141 North Memorial Dr.
All items in the store will be 50% off, and a portion of the weekend’s sales will be donated to MD Anderson in honor of their sister, Beth Ann Slater.
"Thank you so much to our customers, to our community, to Lancaster for being such a part of Slater's Hardware and helping me make great memories," Slater said.
The store will officially close at the end of February.