On Saturday, Phillips Hardware in Oak Bluffs closed its doors after nearly 100 years in business.
On Saturday, Phillips Hardware in Oak Bluffs closed its doors after nearly 100 years in business.
But while its shelves were nearly empty, the store itself was far from quiet, with a steady stream of customers filling the aisles to make last-minute purchases and say their goodbyes.
Susan Phillips (right) helps out a customer.
Susan Phillips (right) helps out a customer.
Co-owners and sisters Susan Phillips and Donna Leon were clocked in, cashing out patrons who stood in lines that stretched to the back of the store. Some customers signed the store’s guest book to record their final visits.
Several local businesses, including Back Door Donuts and Cottage City Home Appliance, sent bags of treats to express their gratitude. Fat Ronnie’s even catered lunch for employees.
“It’s very emotional,” Ms. Phillips told the Gazette. “People come in, they sign the book. We have so many people bringing presents and stuff, which is so nice.”
The family sold the building in 2022 to the Pacheco family, which owns Reliable Market next door. What the building will become next is still unclear.
Pauline Phillips, mother to owners Susan and Donna and an integral part of the Phillips Hardware business for her whole life, was at the store Saturday. She was constantly flanked by customers expressing their gratitude for the store’s years of service to the community.
Community members flocked to the Circuit avenue mainstay.
Community members flocked to the Circuit avenue mainstay.
Pauline pointed to one of the few remaining items on the endcap of one shelf: a solar-powered outdoor torch. She has the same model at home, she said, purchased from the store many years ago. It’s one of her favorite purchases — and it still works.
“It’s sad seeing all the empty shelves,” Pauline said.
For the Phillips family, the store’s legacy goes beyond its status as a Circuit avenue go-to business; it’s familial, reaching back generations. Ms. Phillips said much of the extended family was in town this weekend to mark the store’s closure.
“And most of them have worked here,” she added, with a smile.
Thanks for the memories - and the hardware.
Comments
My grandparents bought our
Nancy Prescott Oak BluffsMy grandparents bought our home on Trinity Circle in 1940, and we still own it. Phillips was our go-to-for-everything hardware store over the years. They were wonderful, and we wish the family all the best and thank you so much!
Phillips Hardware, you will
Cindy daRosa Barrett daRosa Corp., Oak Bluffs, MAPhillips Hardware, you will be missed. A great store, and the wonderful Phillips Family. My dad started daRosa's MV Printing in 1935; and I know how difficult it will be if we ever have to say goodbye. I started working with my Dad in 1959 and still continued doing all pre-press work; as my brother Tony runs the business along with our staff. To all the Phillips Family goes my very best for a very happy and confortable future. Best to all, Cindy daRosa Barrett
Phillips Hardware, you will
Cindy daRosa Barrett daRosa Corp., Oak Bluffs, MAPhillips Hardware, you will be missed. A great store, and the wonderful Phillips Family. My dad started daRosa's MV Printing in 1935; and I know how difficult it will be if we ever have to say goodbye. I started working with my Dad in 1959 and still continued doing all pre-press work; as my brother Tony runs the business along with our staff. To all the Phillips Family goes my very best for a very happy and confortable future. Best to all, Cindy daRosa Barrett
Phillips Hardware was quite
Jessica B. Harris Oak Bluffs and Brooklyn NYPhillips Hardware was quite simply a goodly part of the fabric of my island life. From having keys made to buying paint for summer projects to getting canning jars in the fall, they were the go-to. To say that they will be missed is rank understatement. Somehow, Saturday’s closing slipped by me, but my wishes for Godspeed and good fortune are deep and heartfelt. My very best to the entire Phillips family.
Thank you to the owners of
Carolyn McNally OBThank you to the owners of the place that ALWAYS had anything I needed--with friendly, helpful service. You all will be greatly missed!
I am a big fan if hardware
Patricia Force TisburyI am a big fan if hardware stores and really enjoyed the help of the great people working at Phillips Hardware. Relaxed and friendly staff and a selection of quality hoysehold needs...best of life and a future with much love.
How lucky am I that I
Susan of OB CTHow lucky am I that I experienced the uniqueness that was Phillips Hardware. Thank you to the family that made the store part of my MV experience.
So sorry that this store is
Phillips customer from VHSo sorry that this store is closing.
To me they occupied a midlevel between a general hardware store and one more specialized for the trade. On a number of occasions the staff provided advice about a household repair problem and stocked the needed product that otherwise only a more construction-trade-oriented business would stock.
I am sure the Pacheco family will do something with the premises that enhances the OB business community.
Meanwhile, best wishes to the Phillips family. I will miss the store!
So sorry that this store is
Phillips customer from VHSo sorry that this store is closing.
To me they occupied a midlevel between a general hardware store and one more specialized for the trade. On a number of occasions the staff provided advice about a household repair problem and stocked the needed product that otherwise only a more construction-trade-oriented business would stock.
I am sure the Pacheco family will do something with the premises that enhances the OB business community.
Meanwhile, best wishes to the Phillips family. I will miss the store!
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