Robertson Ace Hardware closing after 100 years in business
WAUWATOSA (WITI) -- After more than 100 years in business, Robertson Ace Hardware in Wauwatosa is closing it's doors.
Jeff Rauh purchased the business 14 years ago and says a sluggish economy, loss of commercial accounts, and an upcoming road construction project all contributed to his decision.
Rauh says the hardest part about closing is going to be saying goodbye to his customers and the relationships they have built over the years.
"It's tough. I've worked a long time for my father-in-law and it's been in the family for well over 60 years," said Rauh. "My wife worked here growing up through high school and my two children have worked here part-time through high school, too, so it's part of the family."
Customers say they're sad to see the end of the business.
"This place has been around since I was a kid," said one man.
"It's a little piece of the neighborhood history and this had an old history -- it's disappearing and it evolves into something else," added another customer.
Rauh plans to close the store once most of the remaining merchandise is sold -- most likely some time in October.