'Very emotional': NJ store to close after more than 100 years in business

NEW JERSEY (PIX11) -- Customers at Saunders Hardware in Montclair, N.J., seem to either have a story or an emotional connection with a business that’s been around for a staggering 131 years. 

But after failing to find a buyer for the store, Tom Vultee, the current owner, is ready to retire. 

It’s no accident that Saunders Hardware has survived and thrived for more than a century, especially in this competitive business environment. 

But when you watch Tom do business, it’s clear one of his keys to success is treating every one of his customers – like they’re family. 

“It’s the interaction - the personal interaction, the discovery. The fact that there are people you can actually talk to,” said Julian, one of the many customers in the store Friday afternoon. 

So, Tom is now on a farewell tour of sorts as he reluctantly winds down the business and shuts Saunders’ doors for good. 

Customers routinely greet Tom like he’s an old friend. 

“And he is. An old friend. He’s just as special as every other old friend who’s come into the hardware store. It brings a tear to my eye,” said Tom. 

The store’s inventory of 177,000 items is for sale at 30 % off. 

“I still have guys that have been here for 20 years, and they say, ‘Do we have that?’ And I’ll tell them where it is, and they’ll say, ‘I didn’t know we had that,” said Tom. 

Tom says the recent and sudden death of a long-time employee—just days before the Easter holiday—drove his decision to retire.   

“C. It was kind of the straw that broke the camel’s back, ya know? What am I doing here? I should be spending time with my family,” said Tom. 

Tom says he’s already sold the building but has made arrangements to keep Saunders Hardware open as he tries to sell off as much inventory as possible. 

Whatever is left will be donated to the home-building non-profit Habitat for Humanity, ensuring that even after Saunders Hardware is gone its legacy will not be easily forgotten. 

“They benefit. They get to take care of people,” said Tom.