Beloved family-owned hardware store closing its doors after almost 90 years in business

After 88 years, 82 of them here at Roosevelt and NE 42nd in the University District, Hardwick’s Hardware store is closing up shop.

“The anger and the remorse and the up and down and all around is basically over. And now, just looking forward to moving on,” said Dean Hardwick.

The iconic shop has been in Hardwick’s family for 3 generations.

But as KIRO 7 first told you in 2018, rising property taxes - jumping 25% every year, along with new zoning in the neighborhood made it hard to survive.

“So the family thought that there’s just no future here and plus with the increased traffic and then forcing out my customer base,” explained Hardwick.

Longtime customers stopped by before the store’s last day on Saturday.

“My father used to bring me to Hardwick’s,” reminisced customer Stephen Peterson. “He’s passed away since then. I’m 56, that’s 20, 30 years ago. This store has been here. I am sorry to see it go.”

“There’s a little bit of sadness, more because of the people. But Seattle has become unsafe. I don’t think it’s a place for the next generation to bring up family,” said Hardwick.

Instead, Hardwick is packing up and moving to Post Falls, Idaho which will be a new beginning for the store and family.

“Not the end. My son is 4th generation and he’s going to eventually take over,” added Hardwick.

Cox Media Group