Murray's Hardware to close; economy, competition are cited

After nearly 25 years in business, Francis J. Murray will be closing Murray's Trustworthy Hardware.

The store opened in Seaway Plaza in March 1984 and moved across Route 11 in 1993.

"Economic conditions are such that we can't stay open," Mr. Murray said. "Retail sales have dropped off so much — nobody is spending money."

The close of local manufacturing plants, the opening of big-box retailers and the use of major contractors for work on Fort Drum all have contributed to the demise of the hardware store.

"We've lost many good customers," Mr. Murray said.

Champion International Corp.'s paper mill in Deferiet provided $150,000 in business each year. New York Air Brake employees once crowded into the store on Thursdays — payday.

"Now Thursday is just another day of the week," he said.

Mr. Murray said the increased competition of large chains including Home Depot and Lowe's has pushed the local stores further down the list for customers to visit.

"They've been all over town and they come in and are amazed that we have what they need," he said. "But the next time, they'll probably go through it all over again."

While local retailers once provided paint or hardware for contractors, the growth of Fort Drum has required much larger contractors who order lumber, hardware and plumbing straight from the manufacturers.

"The local merchants are really hurting," Mr. Murray said. "You really can't compete — you don't have the wherewithal to play in their ballpark."

Despite all this, Mr. Murray said he isn't bitter.

"It's been a fun time," he said. "We've always had a friendly atmosphere and tried to help people."

He and his two employees, who have been with him for 17 and 25 years, respectively, probably will be looking for new jobs.

"I'm young enough that I can't retire," he said. "It will bother me that I'm not going to have somewhere to go to work."

The store will hold a going-out-of-business sale beginning Wednesday that will last five or six weeks. It likely will be closed Monday and Tuesday to prepare, Mr. Murray said. He is looking for another business to buy or lease the property after the store is emptied and cleaned after June.

"We've had some very good years," Mr. Murray said. "The customers have been very good to me. It's nice to see the outpouring of emotions."

Friends helped retailer in hard times: http://www.watertowndailytimes.com/article/20081223/CURR04/312229963/-1/curr