Hacketts evicted from location in Gouverneur

GOUVERNEUR — The Hacketts store closed Sunday after the building owner told the company it had to pay up or shut down.

"We told them we were evicting them for failure to pay," Randolph B. Soggs said. "We offered for them to make a weekly payment, but their obligations exceeded what they could meet."

Hacketts has faced a series of financial setbacks in recent months, and already has closed stores in Potsdam, Canton, Pulaski and Watertown. Stores remain open in Massena, Ogdensburg and Tupper Lake, as well as a seasonal store in Sackets Harbor.

Hacketts President and Chief Executive Officer Thomas W. Scozzafava said Monday that the closure was a voluntary decision.

Gouverneur Center Development, the limited liability corporation that is part of Soggs Commercial Property, New Hartford, obtained a $149,081.40 judgment in August in a settlement agreement with Hacketts. Soggs also obtained an eviction warrant that could be used if Hacketts defaulted.

"We last saw part of a month's rent three weeks ago," Mr. Soggs said.

Mr. Soggs said he gave Hacketts until Friday to make a payment or face eviction but no money was forthcoming.

He said he notified the St. Lawrence County Sheriff's Department on Monday to serve the eviction notice.

The closing puts about two dozen people out of work.

Hacketts Vice President and Chief Operating Officer Herbert L. Becker said the company made the decision to close last week. There was a sale Friday through Sunday and the store closed at 4 p.m. Sunday.

"Today we're picking up the store," he said Monday. "We're planning to be physically out by Friday or Monday at the latest."

Mr. Soggs said he already has several prospective tenants looking at the building at 471 E. Main St.

"We anticipate breaking it up into multiple spaces," he said.

Times staff writer Nancy Madsen contributed to this report.