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Schulte Hardware closes shop after 113 years of service

"When I started working here in grade school, I was helping move boxes and stuff with my grandfather."

NORMANDY, Mo. – After more than a century of service, Schulte Hardware store in Normandy is closing its doors for good.

It was handed down from generation to generation, four generations to be exact.

“When I started working here in grade school, I was helping move boxes and stuff with my grandfather,” said co-owner Jim Schulte, who runs the store with his brothers, Mike and Terri.

Schulte learned the tricks of the trade from his grandparents.

“I learned more from my grandmother about customer service than anyone else,” Schulte said. “She taught me how to cut glass, how to thread pipe, how to cut a key.”

Schulte Hardware opened in 1905 at 19th and Benton in north St. Louis. It eventually moved to its Normandy location in 1926.

“I’ve been coming into Schulte for at least 15 years,” said long-time customer, John Breeden.

Customers said they keep coming back for the incredible family touch.

“You get to know these guys through the years,” Anthony Harris said. “And I'm going to miss these two girls here, wow."

“Oh my, they began to know all of us by name, recognize you every time,” added Breeden.

Schulte said over the last 5 years, sales have dropped. It’s a combination of national hardware chains, online shopping, like Amazon, and many more rental properties in the area, which don’t produce as many projects.

“The one thing that struck me the most was the fact that customers are coming back and expressing their sadness that we were closing and I didn’t really think we'd get that emotional about it,” Schulte said.

And up until its very last day, Schulte continued to help customers find what they need. But, instead of a ‘see you later,’ they’re saying, ‘goodbye for now.’

“It's going to be truly missed,” Harris said.

Wednesday is Schulte’s last day.

Schulte said that he will have to clear out all of the inventory and eventually sell the building.

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