Urgent: Iconic Hardware Chains Closing Amid Declining Sales

BREAKING: The hardware retail landscape is rapidly shifting as several iconic chains announce permanent closures due to declining sales. Jerry’s Hardware & Rental, a staple in Minnesota for over 50 years, confirmed it will close two locations in the Twin Cities by December 31, 2025. This follows a wave of closures from other renowned retailers, marking a significant shift in the home improvement market.

New data from the Home Improvement Research Institute indicates a troubling trend for the sector. Predictions for home improvement sales growth have plummeted from 3.4% to just 2.5% for the remainder of 2025, reflecting the impact of rising inflation and declining housing activity. The consumer market is expected to see a mere 1.3% increase, down from earlier forecasts.

The closures of storied hardware names highlight the pressure smaller retailers face against industry giants. Home Depot currently holds 29% of the market, followed by Lowe’s at 17% and Amazon at 11.9%. The dominance of these major players has left limited room for local shops to thrive.

Among the recent closures, Carnation Ace Hardware in Carnation, Washington, shut its doors on October 25, after serving the community for 56 years. Ritter’s True Value Hardware, a 117-year-old fixture in Mechanicsburg, Pennsylvania, closed on September 30. Kreuger’s True Value, a historic store in Neenah, Wisconsin, announced plans to cease operations within 12 to 16 months due to insufficient demand and failed sale attempts.

The economic climate has turned challenging, with consumer price inflation projected to rise to around 3% late in 2025. Housing starts have dropped 5.3% in the second quarter, exacerbating the reduced demand for home improvement products. This has resulted in fewer renovations and new constructions, directly impacting hardware retailers across the nation.

Jerry’s Hardware & Rental, part of the Do It Best retail cooperative, confirmed the closure of its Maple Grove and St. Louis Park locations without disclosing reasons for the decision. Following these closures, the chain will maintain its operations in Eden Prairie, Bloomington, and Edina, but the overall trend suggests a looming crisis for smaller hardware retailers.

As the hardware landscape evolves, the implications for consumers and communities are profound. Many local jobs are at stake as these beloved stores shut their doors, changing the fabric of local economies. Jerry’s Hardware, which opened its first store over 50 years ago in Edina, joins a growing list of retailers that have succumbed to the pressures of a changing market.

In light of these developments, consumers and industry watchers alike are left wondering: what will happen next? As economic pressures continue, further closures may follow, reshaping the home improvement landscape permanently.

Stay tuned for updates as this story develops.