Durham's Public Hardware store closing after 98 years

A nearly century old business in downtown Durham is closing. Public Hardware has been owned by the Wall family since 1924, and they've been in their current location since 1995.

In the back of the Public Hardware store is an old scale that's a family tradition.

"Every one of us has been weighed on that scale back there," Wall said. "Doesn't matter if it was us, the grandkids, the great grandkids; even the dogs we had, we weighed them out on there."

Wall said the 98-year-old business is more than a store.

"We've all been in it our whole lives, so it's kind of like losing a family member," Wall said.

Wall's sister Lauren Rathbone said she has fond memories of growing up in the store.

"We're appreciative of a 98-year ride," Rathbone said.

The business sits in the shadow of a changing skyline in downtown Durham. Wall said the prime location has become difficult to afford.

"You really only have two options," Wall said. "You can go out the way you want, or you can get forced out."

As the family closes up shop on their own terms, they're looking forward to greeting longtime customers coming through.

"You just end up seeing the same people for 10, 15 years," Wall said. "Everybody just essentially becomes part of your family."

The Wall family plans to take their time closing shop. The business is hosting a sale, and it will be open for at least the next couple of months.