Schenck’s Hardware

I have many phobias. I have a fear of worms (scoleciphobia). I have a fear of large open spaces (agoraphobia). But most importantly, as a new home owner, I have a debilitating fear of hardware stores (homedepotphobia).
Schenck’s helps with with my fear. To start with, it’s larger then it looks on the outside — yet, it’s not an overwhelmingly large warehouse where one feels like one can be lost in it for all eternity.
Secondly, they have practically everything a new homeowner needs — screws, hammers, paint, air filters, shovels, hedge trimmers… you name it! They may not have an exhaustive selection of products, but what they do have, will probably suit your needs most of the time.
Thirdly, the staff is so incredibly knowledgeable and sweet! We walked in, mostly to just check the place out… and the staff very kindly talked us through what kind of hedge trimmer is best for the trees in our neighborhood, when’s the best time to reseed the yard, where to go for the best Mexican. And they didn’t rush us, or show any impatience while we (OK, me) waffled over which gardening gloves to get (pink or purple? Yes, these are the importantly decisions that rule my life). Yes, they knew it all!
I still don’t particularly enjoy visiting hardware stores, but I am willing to make an exception for Schenck’s. Especially if the lovely gentleman (I think he’s the owner) continues to tell me how pretty I am: D

This morning (7-​8-​2010) as I was riding the Montgomery County Ride On bus to work I happened to look back and noticed a big banner, lime green with big black lettering outside of Schenck’s Hardware in the Montgomery Village Shopping Center. I could not make it out too well. Then on the subway going to work, I noticed an ad in the Gaithersburg Gazette that was a GOING OUT OF BUSINESS ad for Schenck’s.
WHAT?
I grew up with them, they have been around for about forty years. It was a Mom and Pop hardware store where you could get advice and referrals.
I could walk across the street and get whatever I needed. And if they did not stock it, I did not need it.
Schenck’s closes, MOCA DC closes and Manhattan Deli closes. I don’t want a fourth business in my life to close.