TOLEDO, Ohio — A woodworking supplies store in south Toledo known for offering rare, hard-to-find products is closing its doors after nearly 18 years of business.
Many long-time customers of Woodcraft of Toledo say they will miss the business for more than just the products it sells, but also for the family-like atmosphere.
"It's sad ... I'm not going to miss the store as much as I'm going to miss the people," said Mike Kreischer, manager of Woodcraft, which sits in Airport Square by the intersection of Airport Highway and South Reynolds Road.
Since the announcement, items have been flying off the shelves.
Lumber, hardware, glues, finishing, project kits, sanding supplies, power tools and floor models, as well as scratch-and-dent items, are marked down as much as 25% off and more on others.
"We've grown to really appreciate them. They've grown to appreciate us" Kreischer said of the store's relationship with its customers. "That's why we have the sale, the liquidation sale, retirement sale and they need to come in and get things quick because there's no guarantee it's going to be there tomorrow."
Long-time customers like Paul Henry have been shopping at Woodcraft for more than 10 years.
"It's not the same as it is in a big box store and they're very personable in here and help you out when you have a problem," he said.
Henry says he will miss getting some of the area's best woodworking tools.
"I'm sad to see it close because it's so far to go to get this type of material that you can work with the tools and the router bits and the saw blades," he said.
The store is set to close by the end of August, which customer David Moore said makes him sad.
"Not good, I was hoping somebody would take it over by now, but I guess it's just not going to happen," he said.