Iconic Slaters Hardware to close by end of February
LANCASTER − The iconic Slaters Hardware will close by the end of next month.
“We recognize the bits of sadness that come with this change, and we want to express our gratitude for your part as the customer and friend to our family business,” the Slater family said in a news release. “This was a difficult decision for our family, which comes as a result of a restructuring phase for Slaters, Inc.”
Slaters is located at 1141 N. Memorial Drive in the Plaza Shopping Center and has been in business since 1946. Bob and Henrietta Slater started the business and opened it at 409 S Maple Street. The business later moved to 560 E. Main St. before opening at its current location in 1959.
Slaters started as a hardware store but grew into hobbies, a lamp shop, locksmithing, strongman equipment, home brewing supplies, antiques, monarch butterflies, affordable housing and more.
Besides owning the store, the family is also involved in real estate and owns numerous rental properties.
For the future, Slater Strength Equipment will be part of Slater Strength LTD and will be operated by Steve and Susie Slater in the original Slater warehouse at 1700 W. Fair Ave. The lock shop will be owned and operated by Nathan Weisenstein and will be called Nate’s Lock and Key at 1783 Victor Road NE.
One of the store’s owners, Lou Ann Weisenstein, referred questions for comment to Krile Communications. Angela Krile said some family members want to transition into retirement and let the next generation take over.
Krile said the Slater family hasn’t decided what to do with the building yet. She also said the inventory is now 30% and that discounts will probably increase closer to the closing date.
Through the years, the third generation, which included Weisenstein, Jon Slater Jr., Steve Slater, and Jackie Slater have owned and operated the business. “The legacy of Slater’s Hardware will forever hold a special place in our hearts. It has been a testament to the Slater family’s values and commitment to serving our community, especially with the help from all of you,” the press release said.
On Jan. 26 and Jan. 27, the Slaters will host a community gratitude party at the store during regular business hours where people can reminisce about the store. jbarron@gannett.com 740-681-4340
Twitter: @Jeffdbarron