Illinois hardware store to close

Marlowe's Ace Hardware in Hampshire, Ill., will close by Nov. 10, according to an article in the Elgin Courier News. The Chicago-area store, formerly known as Myers Ace Hardware, has been in operation for more than 60 years.

Current owners Dean and Marge Marlowe, who have operated the business since June 1, 1981, are retiring. They told the newspaper they have tried unsuccessfully for two years to find a buyer who would purchase the building and take over the Ace Hardware business.

The store, located in an old building that once housed the town’s library, has a basement that the owners used for seasonal merchandise storage.

“People could come to us for pool chemicals year-round if they had hot tubs,” Marge Marlowe said. “We’ve also sold box fans year-round.”