After 71 years, Mayfair Hardware closing
One of the Mayfair neighbourhood’s most recognizable businesses is preparing to shut its doors forever after nearly 71 years in business and countless loyal customers.
In a statement provided to The Starphoenix from Rhonda Kerr, niece of longtime owner Bruce Thomas, the decision to close stems from the economic uncertainty brought on by the COVID -19 pandemic.
“On behalf of Bruce Thomas, owner of Mayfair Hardware, his family would like to thank his loyal customers for their support for over 70 years,” the statement read.
“Bruce is forever grateful for the many friendships he made over the years, and would like to thank his devoted staff for their ongoing support.”
Mayfair Hardware, which has been at the same spot at Avenue B and 33rd Street since 1949, was well known across the city as the hardware shop that stocks just about anything you could ever need. Even if you didn’t know exactly what you were looking for, Thomas would usually be able to decipher which thingamajig you were searching for and have the right product in hand moments later.
When news broke of the impending closure, customers began sharing their memories of the shop over Facebook and began queuing to visit the business one last time. On Monday, some even waited in line for two and a half hours for a last browse.
Mayfair Hardware’s long history began on a Monday in June 1949. Last year, The Starphoenix sat down with Thomas as he marked its 70th anniversary. During that interview the now 89-year-old said he didn’t like to talk about the idea of retirement.
“I like to have something to do,” he said.
Kerr said the store will stay open until the Victoria Day long weekend, in an effort to sell off any remaining stock and give longtime customers a chance to stop in and say goodbye.
“It’s the end of an era,” she said.