Independent Hardware Stores Struggle to Survive Against Big-Box Chains

As stores like Romak Hardware and Village Hardware close, the heart of local shopping fades in New Jersey.

Mar. 17, 2026 at 2:54am

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Independent hardware stores across New Jersey are facing increasing challenges to stay in business as they struggle to compete with the buying power and low prices of big-box chains like Home Depot and Lowe's, as well as the convenience of online shopping. Stores that have been fixtures in their communities for decades, like Romak Hardware in Mays Landing and Village Hardware in Ewing, have been forced to close their doors, leaving residents to lament the loss of the personal connections and specialized knowledge that made these local stores so valuable.

Why it matters

The decline of independent hardware stores represents the erosion of the traditional neighborhood shopping experience, where store owners knew their customers by name and could provide tailored advice and recommendations. As these local businesses shutter, communities lose an important gathering place and source of community identity.

The details

Stores like Romak Hardware and Village Hardware, which once thrived on personal connections with customers, have been unable to compete with the low prices and vast inventory of big-box home improvement chains. Factors like the rise of online shopping and the buying power of national retailers have made it increasingly difficult for independent hardware stores to survive. Some stores, like The Hardware Store of Asbury Park, have found success by focusing on providing superior customer service and specialized product knowledge that the larger chains cannot match.

  • Romak Hardware in Mays Landing closed at an unspecified time in the past.
  • Village Hardware in Ewing closed its doors recently.
  • Benjamin Brothers True Value Hardware in Tenafly closed on January 31, 2026 after more than 80 years in business.
  • Finkles Hardware in Lambertville closed at the end of 2024 after 107 years.
  • Saunders Hardware in Montclair closed in 2024 after 131 years in business.

The players

Romak Hardware

A hardware store in Mays Landing, New Jersey that once thrived on personal connections with customers but has since closed.

Village Hardware

A hardware store in Ewing, New Jersey that has recently closed its doors.

Benjamin Brothers True Value Hardware

A hardware store in Tenafly, New Jersey that closed on January 31, 2026 after more than 80 years in business.

Finkles Hardware

A hardware store in Lambertville, New Jersey that closed at the end of 2024 after 107 years in business.

Saunders Hardware

A hardware store in Montclair, New Jersey that closed in 2024 after 131 years in business.

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What they’re saying

“Over my 30 years, we've seen the business shrink. It is incredibly difficult for independents to survive against the market forces of these big conglomerates.”

— The owner of Finkles Hardware

“So many memories and friendships through the years.”

— A commenter on the Facebook post about Benjamin Brothers True Value Hardware closing

“Oh no. I used to go there with my father back in the 70s and 80s.”

— A commenter on the Facebook post about Benjamin Brothers True Value Hardware closing

The takeaway

The decline of independent hardware stores in New Jersey highlights the broader challenges facing small, community-oriented businesses as they struggle to compete with the convenience and buying power of large national chains. While the loss of these local institutions may be felt most acutely by long-time residents, it also represents the erosion of the personal connections and specialized knowledge that were once hallmarks of the neighborhood shopping experience.