Beloved Hardware Store In Fairfield Closes

FAIRFIELD, CT — Poster Hardware in Fairfield, which had announced its plan to close in January, closed over the weekend as the owners head into retirement.

Located at 2155 Black Rock Turnpike, the store had been in operation for nearly 60 years, with owner Bert Lello running it for nearly 40 years.

"Thank you to our loyal customers for your support over the years," Lello wrote in a statement.

Liquidation and retirement signs were posted at the store in July, which generated a fair amount of reminiscing.

"Wow I can’t believe it that was a staple in that town," one resident wrote on Facebook. "God bless him and happy retirement!!!!"

"OMG, congratulations, Bert!!" another wrote. "You’ve earned this."

The approximately 3,000 square foot store was part of a strip mall that was originally built in 1949.

Joe Poster opened the store the next year, and ran it until Lello took over in 1989.