Antioch True Value closing down
When Wal-Mart opened in 2003, Stan Livermore predicted the days of Antioch having two independently owned hardware stores were numbered.
It looks like he was right.
Livermore is closing up shop at Antioch's True Value Hardware, 488 Orchard St., a store he has owned since 1983.
"We let some really good people go, we modified the product assortment and we still couldn't figure out how to stay open," he said. "I love this community, I love this store and I want to thank all the people who shopped with us."
Livermore, 51, of Antioch, said he made the painful decision to close about three weeks ago.
"When Wal-Mart opened we took a 22 percent hit. The next spring, Home Depot opened 4 miles away in Round Lake and it was another 10 percent hit, then Menards this year and it was another 10 percent," Livermore said. "We're looking at a 40 percent reduction in revenue, and I just don't know how to make it work anymore."
Livermore said he isn't bitter about the big-box stores opening, but doesn't believe in what they stand for.
"I believe in the free market economy," he said. "I just wish it was a more level playing field."
Frank Kitzerow of Antioch scanned the aisles of True Value on Thursday, saying he would miss the selection at the store.
"It's too bad, but with all the big-box stores, I was wondering how long this could last," Kitzerow said.
Judy Korecek of Antioch said she was very surprised by Livermore's decision to close.
"It's extremely sad," she said. "Stan and his staff have provided us with fantastic service as well as everything you need. Over the years we've developed great friendships with everyone here. I'm sorry to see it go."
True Value will remain open until its inventory is gone; how long that will take, Livermore doesn't know.
"I've spent the last 24 years building a store. I've never closed one," he said.
Livermore said he plans on keeping his store in Island Lake open.
"I don't have a clue what I'll do next," he said. "I guess I'm taking it one day at a time. Right now I've got a very busy head and a very heavy heart. I can't think too far ahead."