by Abigail Dixon
Intern Writer
Farmers Hardware on King Street is closing its doors after 80 years
of fixing, painting and decorating the homes and gardens of Boone
residents, Appalachian State University students and tourists.
Farmers Hardware owners Bobby G. and Teri L. Langdon announced the
closing of the business late last month.
Bobby said the day he announced the closing of the store was a sad
day.
“I was even more sad than the customers that have come into
the store and cried to me,” Bobby said.
Teri’s grandfather, Clyde Greene, started the business in
1924 in the same place it sits now, on the corner of Depot and King
Streets.
Teri’s parents, Cecil and Hazel Greene, ran the business for
years until Bobby and Teri took over.
Bobby said business had been slowing down over the past two years.
He attributes a lot of the store’s decline in sales to competitors
such as Lowe’s Hardware and Wal-Mart.
“Those stores are usually a first destination for everyone,
but I can’t blame them. You can park easily, go in and get
any number of things and then leave in a hurry,” Bobby said.
Bobby said parking and traffic on King Street has also been a factor
for his customers.
Bobby and Teri also own the building where Farmers is located, but
Bobby said they have not entertained any offers on the building.
“The building is not for sale. We want to keep it in the family,”
Bobby said. “We plan to rent it out.”
Bobby’s son, Jason R. Langdon, said his parents’ decision
to close the store was sad, but it was a good business decision.
“I hope to be able to continue working in the building once
it gets leased,” Jason said.
The bright side to Farmers Hardware closing is the going-out-of-business
sale.
All merchandise is 30-50 percent off the regular price. The store’s
new hours are Monday through Saturday from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. but
they are closed on Wednesdays.
Bobby said they have not set an exact date for the store’s
closing.
“When we get down to one hammer and three nails, I’ll
consider closing it down,” he said.
Boone Area Chamber of Commerce President Mike Wagoner said he respects
the business decision Farmers Hardware had to make by closing.
“In many ways, it feels like we are losing a member of the
family. Farmers Hardware has been an anchor for the business community
for 80 years,” Wagoner said.
Wagoner said he hopes a respectable business will move into the
building and continue the preservation of its historical aspects
as well as foster the character of the Boone community.
“I hope a new business will locate there and blend in with
the downtown merchants and cater to local clientele and tourists,”
Wagoner said.
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