1) Horton Hardware, located at 198 Main Street in Afton, has been in business for 118 years, but most recently, the owners Alan and Steve Gaydorus announced they are retiring and closing the store. They are having a huge retirement sale from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., on April 25 and lasting until everything is sold. Store hours are Monday through Friday 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., Saturday 8 a.m. to 3 p.m., and closed on Sundays. (Photo by Cindy Tiley), 2) Area resident Linda Cook DeVona created the collage sketch of Horton Hardware for the owners, around the time the store was remodeled and enlarged. The store, located at 198 Main Street in Afton, is having a huge retirement sale and closing its doors. The business has been run by the Gaydorus family since 1959. (Photo by Linda Cook Devona)

AFTON — Horton Hardware, located at 198 Main Street, has been in business for 118 years. But now, with heavy hearts, owners and brothers Steve and Alan Gaydorus announced the store is closing and mailed letters to all of their customers.

“Two years ago we started looking for a buyer but no one came around,” Alan said. “This is the thing, it’s sad, it’s been our lives, but it’s time to retire.”

“I’ve been involved with the store for the last 45 years and we’ve had a lot of great customers through the years and wonderful people in the community,” he said. “I’ll really miss them.”

“We enjoyed getting to know the community and the area, it has really been a great run,” said Alan.

He said business can be tough with the way times have changed with more businesses online, and Amazon purchases and deliveries; you have to be realistic.

Alan explained, it’s time for their retirement. He said they’ve been preparing for the retirement sale and today, April 25, they’ll open the doors to begin the largest sale ever at Horton Hardware.