Geneva Hardware closes with little notice to customers

Geneva Hardware store closed unexpectedly Monday.

“We regret to inform you that our store is closed,” according to signs placed on the entrances of the store at 2063 Lincoln Hwy. in St. Charles.

It gave a number for customers to call for more information. A recording on that line indicated customers who had window screens in for repair, or items that were left to be sharpened, should leave a message to make arrangements for their return.

“We will pick up messages for a period of time. ... We apologize for the inconvenience and the times that we are dealing with,” a man's voice on the message said.

Requests for an interview left on that number, the owner's home phone and via an email address for the store, were not returned.

A glance through the windows showed the store still had merchandise. Landscaping pavers were stacked outside one entrance.

Its Facebook page indicated the store got a new sign June 10. “Our new Do It Best Sign went up today. What a great organization to be with. They have 4,100+ hardware, lumber and home center stores and lots of great people in the company to help us service our communities as we always try to do,” the post said. It is the most recent post.

The store moved into the former Dominick's grocery store location in February 2011 from a spot at 617 W. State St. in Geneva. The store had been in business for more than 80 years in downtown Geneva. In a previous story, the owners said they wanted a larger space.