Longtime Tulsa hardware stores to close

The True Value store at 17th and Harvard in Tulsa has been a neighborhood institution. But they can't escape one simple truth and that's the fact that people have turned to the big-box retailers.

Wednesday, July 13th 2005, 10:27 am

By: News On 6

The True Value store at 17th and Harvard in Tulsa has been a neighborhood institution. But they can't escape one simple truth and that's the fact that people have turned to the big-box retailers.

News on 6 reporter Steve Berg says Bob and Janet Rusley opened their store 22 years ago. And they also have another store at 51st and Sheridan, but they have to shut them both down. They say the competition from stores like Home Depot and Loweâ€™s has proved to be too much.

Ironically, the liquidation sale has brought in big crowds. They say it used to always be like this. But year by year, the customers dwindled. Some loyal shoppers say they preferred the smaller feel of the store. And they're sorry to see it go. Sue Shouse: â€œthey're there to help you. They walk up and ask you if you need help. You don't find that in big department stores. That era is gone. It's just sad; it's like losing a friend really."

The sale isn't just a walk down memory lane. Bob and Janet Rusley say they need to sell all their merchandise to pay creditors.