People who have never lived in a small town don’t know what it’s like to lose a business that has been part of the community for generations.
The Northern California town where I grew up, for example, has an Ace Hardware that’s been there since 1957.
My late father, who never trusted ATMs or money cards of any sort, was such a frequent customer at Ace that the owner even let him use the store like a bank: My dad would swing by every Friday or Saturday to cash a check so he’d have cash for the weekend.
The clerks were also his friends, sharing advice on everything from the best soil for growing his beloved tomatoes to the right lumber for building a chicken coop or a deck.
If the store were to close, it would be a huge loss for the community — with a population of 5,300— and not just because of the convenient service the owners used to provide for my dad.
Whether it’s a diner, a hair salon, or a hardware store, when an independent business shuts its doors, it leaves a gaping hole in a community.
That’s the case with Carnation Ace Hardware, which has closed after 56 years serving the town of Carnation, Washington, which is about 31 miles from Seattle. The nearest Home Depot is about 15 miles down the road.
Mom-and-pop Ace Hardware store closes after 56 years
For decades, Carnation Ace Hardware was a cornerstone of downtown Carnation — population 2,515 — selling tools, home supplies, and providing “handyman” services to local residents, as reported in The Valley Record.
The closure is a reminder of how small, independent retailers sometimes struggle to survive against national chains and online giants, even though in this case, the primary reason for the closure seems to be the owner’s retirement.
Owner Ron Cox announced the closure in late October, posting on Instagram: “It is with both excitement and a bit of grief that I am writing to share with my community that after 56 years, I will be retiring and closing the doors to Carnation ACE Hardware. I was 10 years old when my parents purchased Carnation Lumber Supply in 1969, and serving this community alongside my parents, sister, and brothers, has been my life’s work and deep joy.
“It’s hard to imagine not seeing you all so regularly,” Cox added. “Yet, I am excited for what retirement holds for me and my family and also am excited about the future of this central downtown business space … Thank you – from the bottom of my heart – for allowing our family to be part of yours for nearly six decades. We are incredibly thankful!”
The city even recognized the Cox family’s contribution in a proclamation, highlighting decades of service and commitment to the town. A farewell reception was held October 25, allowing the community to celebrate the local institution.
Local store, national pressures
Carnation Ace Hardware’s closure points to a trend affecting small retailers nationwide. Independent stores operate on thin margins, and there is growing competition from big-box chains that leverage bulk purchasing power, deep discounts, and massive advertising budgets.
Online platforms like Amazon add pressure by offering convenience, fast delivery, and competitive pricing that smaller stores cannot match.
Even well-established specialty retailers have felt the strain, as is the case with a 41-year old specialty sporting goods retailer that recently closed after failing to keep pace with industry changes.
Financial hurdles pushing some independent businesses to close
Carnation Ace closed because its owner announced his retirement, but the shutdown brings to mind several economic challenges common to mom-and-pop stores:
- Rising operating costs, including rent, utilities and labor.
- Supply chain pressures can mean longer lead times.
- Competitive pricing: Big-box stores and online marketplaces can get bulk pricing and then offer steep discounts, forcing independent stores to lower margins to stay competitive.
- Reduced foot traffic due to e-commerce growth.
These are just a few of the factors that can make it challenging for small businesses to compete, regardless of customer loyalty.
Wider community impact of Ace Hardware closure
For the town of Carnation, the closure is more than a business story. Carnation Ace Hardware represented local history, personal connections, and a storefront where staff knew customers by name.
While national chains or online platforms can replace product availability, they rarely replicate the same community bond.
On social media, community members expressed sadness but wished the family well:
“Going to miss Ron & family @ Ace it was a staple to the community for sure! I’m happy for them and for Ron’s retirement so we can get out and travel more,” wrote one resident. Another said, “what a loss for the community!!!!!”
Related: 47-year-old furniture chain closes all stores in Ch. 11 bankruptcy
The Cox family also owns Carnation Lumber Supply, which will continue operating, but the departure of the hardware store leaves a noticeable gap in downtown commerce.
Still, Cox expressed optimism about the building’s future.
“The downtown business space has served us well, and I look forward to seeing what comes next for this location,” he told The Valley Record.
The closure reflects a broader trend for independent retailers: Without scale, aggressive pricing, or online reach, small stores are increasingly giving way to chains and e-commerce.
While communities lose these cherished local institutions, the retail landscape continues to favor larger, national players.
The state of business in small-town America:
- Nearly 30% of rural small businesses report declining revenue. This is double the rate of their urban counterparts, as inflation and competition from major retailers squeeze local margins.
Source: PYMNTS.com - More than 90% of rural small business owners report financial hardship. This is a sharp increase from pre-pandemic levels, according to a 2024 survey by Third Way.
Source: Third Way - Profit margins for independent retailers in small towns often hover around 1%. The slim margin leaves almost no cushion to withstand economic shocks or aggressive pricing by big-box competitors.
Source: TSPR.org
Related: Beloved sporting goods retailer closing after 41 years
