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(Lancaster) – A Lancaster business with 78 years of service to the community has announced plans to close. Slater’s Hardware will close their Maple Street storefront location by the end of February 2024.
The Slater’s posted a letter to the community on their Facebook page, detailing plans to conclude the hardware store, while some aspects of the family business will continue.
To our wonderful community:
Our Grandparents, Henrietta and Albert “Bob”, started Slaters Hardware because they saw the opportunity and a need for a hardware store in our community. With hard work, grit, and a determined spirit, they opened the first Slater’s Hardware on Maple Street in 1946.
Over the last 78 years, our family has evolved the business to meet the needs of our customers and community, as well as our own personal passions. What started as a hardware store has grown into a hub of hobbies, lamp shop, locksmithing, strongman equipment, home brewing supplies, antiques, monarch butterflies, affordable housing, and so much more.
We are grateful for the legacy our grandparents started, and we are honored to be part of it. As we continue to carry their legacy forward and evolve our family’s businesses, we have made the bittersweet decision to close our doors. This was a difficult decision for our family, which comes as a result of a restructuring phase for Slaters, Inc.
Slater’s Hardware has been an integral part of our lives and the community for multiple generations. Our grandparents’ vision and dedication were carried forward by their sons, Jon and Jim.
Through the years, the third generation, which included Lou Ann Slater Weisenstein, Jon Slater Jr., Steve Slater, and Jackie Slater have owned and operated the business. The fourth generation was also involved in various aspects of the business. Nathan Weisenstein, Lou Ann’s son, devoted the past 17 years to the store and filled the role of locksmith and department manager. Landon Slater, Steve’s son, assisted in managing the strength department and brought a fresh perspective and commitment for more than five years.
We recognize the impact this may have on our community and customers, and we want to express our gratitude for your unwavering commitment to our family business.
Moving forward, Slater Strength Equipment will be part of Slater Strength LTD and will be operated by Steve and Susie Slater. The lock shop will be owned and operated by Nathan Weisenstein and will be called Nate’s Lock and Key. Our family will slowly close our storefront location between now and the end of February.
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. We want to take a special time to celebrate our employees, our customers, and our community. Please join us Friday, January 26 (our grandmother Henrietta’s birthday) and Saturday, January 27 for our “Community Gratitude Party” by stopping by the store to reminisce and enjoy some refreshments together.
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.
From the bottom of our hearts, we thank you for your support over the last 78 years.
With Love and Gratitude,
The Slater Family
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