So, Vercesi is closing (how much, house, neighborhood)

[Cida]

I've been going Vercesi Hardware (renamed by the new owner) for ages, but just heard that they're closing. They were the best local place - 23rd Street - when I first found them, well-stocked, moderately priced, with smart cheery staff. They were clobbered when Home Depot opened, even though their prices were as good or better, and their staff was certainly better. The staff dwindled, the shelves were emptier, and I think this will be the last of them. They closest neighborhood place, The Nut House (which has a sign that looks like The Out House), isn't anywhere near as good. So sad when these disappear.

[SeventhFloor]

You're more in favor of mom-n-pop businesses? I like the personality that you get, but ultimately times have changed. The big box store is king now

[rlrl]

i remember them i stopped in there for key fobs a few years ago coming back from Cabrini Hospital.

we still have Kornblau Hardware on Broadway in Kingsbridge

[Cida]

Originally Posted by SeventhFloor

You're more in favor of mom-n-pop businesses? I like the personality that you get, but ultimately times have changed. The big box store is king now

Absolutely prefer mom-and-pop businesses which generally have better staff and better policies. Also, if I buy a cup of coffee at a local diner, I'm supporting the NYC tax base all the way, whereas if I pay twice as much at Starbucks, I assume the profits get siphoned off to Seattle. To me, it's the passivity of people shrugging and saying "Times have changed" that enable places like Walmart to have such bad policies.

[BugsyPal]

Just saw this and am shocked to hear Vercesi Hardware closed! Dyamn!!!

When we first moved to the City and lived in GV that was our spot because they really knew their stuff. Even now living on the UES would take the #6 train down and shop.

So sad so much of "old" NYC is vanishing including the family owned hardware stores. Wish one had known, would have gone down to stock up. When places like Vercesi Hardware close that have been around for ages you find so many things that just aren't around anymore.

[Kefir King]

I've got a couple hardware joints around me that have no prices on the merchandise and surly clerks/owners behind the counter.
After a few times bringing items up and asking "How Much?" and being taken aback by OUTRAGEOUS quotes I mentally gave them the finger and walked out empty handed.
The time that the last one of these hustlers moves out will be a time for celebration.


I will admit, Vercesi was a lot better than the rest...a nice selection of door and lock hardware and reasonable comprehensible prices.

[SeventhFloor]

Originally Posted by Cida

Absolutely prefer mom-and-pop businesses which generally have better staff and better policies. Also, if I buy a cup of coffee at a local diner, I'm supporting the NYC tax base all the way, whereas if I pay twice as much at Starbucks, I assume the profits get siphoned off to Seattle. To me, it's the passivity of people shrugging and saying "Times have changed" that enable places like Walmart to have such bad policies.

Nahh, it's not that, it's just that people got tired of going to the butcher, the electronics store, and the furniture store in one day whereas now they can do it all under one roof.

[nybbler]

Originally Posted by SeventhFloor

Nahh, it's not that, it's just that people got tired of going to the butcher, the electronics store, and the furniture store in one day whereas now they can do it all under one roof.

Yeah, now MY roof.

I know what Kefir King means about ripoff small stores. You go in looking for some small item, either they don't have it out or they have no prices. You ask about it and they quote you some outrageous price, then they act all put out when you won't buy it. As if asking about it obligates you to agree to whatever price they come up with.