An Auburn hardware store that’s been run by members of the same family for nearly 150 years is shutting its doors.

Owner Robert Hayes says he has signed an option to sell J.L Hayes and Co.’s four-acre property to a developer and will likely close next spring, according to the Sun Journal.

He says at some point, the land became more valuable than the business and expects the property to be redeveloped for retail.

J.L Hayes was founded in Lewiston in 1868 by his great-great uncle.

Robert Hayes, a city councilor, said he plans on going into semi-retirement. He wants to spend more time with family, and more time skiing. He says he expects he’ll get a part-time job at some point because he loves working in retail.


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