Processing Your Payment

Please do not leave this page until complete. This can take a few moments.

November 29, 2022

Historic Hamden hardware store announces closing

PHOTO | LIESE KLEIN Frank Landino in front of Spring Glen Hardware & Appliance on Nov. 29, 2022. The 60-year-old business is slated to close on Jan. 1, 2023.
By Liese Klein

The sign had only been up a few hours when the calls started flooding in: Was Hamden’s historic Spring Glen Hardware & Appliance really closing down?

After 60 years in business at 1666 Whitney Ave., the True Value-brand store is slated to close around Jan. 1, owner Frank Landino said. The “Going out of Business Sale” sign went up on the front window on Monday.

It wasn’t for lack of customers: Business has been “awesome” during the pandemic, as residents have opted for local stores, Landino said. With its wood floors, expansive selection and knowledgeable staff, Spring Glen Hardware was holding its own in an era of big-box stores. 

What prompted the closing was the health issues suffered by Landino and his brother, Harry. Both third-generation owner-operators of the store, the Landinos are suffering heart and other ailments that make the physical labor needed to run the business difficult.

As if on cue, a huge True Value truck pulled up in front of the store and Frank Landino got ready to help the driver unload. Due to his heart issues, he’s not supposed to lift more than 40 pounds on his own, but the boxes coming off the truck looked a lot heavier than that. 

Landino came to work at his father and grandfather’s store for two weeks after college and ended up staying for 45 years. He hasn’t ruled out selling the business and said he has already had calls from several interested parties. 

Landino’s pitch to potential owners: You get to be your own boss, but “it’s a lot of hours, a lot of hours. Not much vacation.” 

Then he had to get back to helping unload the truck. 

Contact Liese Klein at lklein@newhavenbiz.com.

Sign up for Enews

Most Recent

Most Recent

0 Comments

Order a PDF