VALU Home Centers to close three WNY stores
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BUFFALO, N.Y. (WIVB) -- VALU Home Centers announced Monday the closure of its three longstanding stores in North Buffalo, Lockport and Orchard Park.
“We own these locations ourselves," said Scott Ortman the Executive VP and Chief Operating Officer at VALU. "Due to inflation and operating costs, it just wasn't a good business decision to keep the stores operating."
Founded in Buffalo in 1968, community members have bought supplies from VALU for many projects over the last five decades.
“The smallest of it and easy getting around and the staff they have was always very helpful," said Lockport resident Keith Anterline when he saw the liquidation sign on the store. "It's a shame that it's come to this point."
The company said online markets, along with strong competition, are to blame for the lack of sales at the three locations.
"Closing these stores, which have been integral to our history and the communities we serve, was difficult,” said Michael Ervolina, president and CEO of VALU Home Centers.
“It's so hard to compete, especially when you look at wages, paying a reasonable wage and then competing against these bigger chains that don't seem to be under that same kind of pressure," said Lockport resident Scott Jackson. "It's tough for our small businesses and it's going to hurt the communities because all you've got is that big box store, with no competition. It's going to be tough on our communities."
None of the employees at the three locations will lose their jobs, but will be transferred to another store of their choosing.
“When we do a liquidation, we don't want to put people out of work," Ortman said. "We want to keep people within the VALU family."
For Orchard Park residents, they said the closure of their Valu Home Centers is especially hard as the shuttering comes just months after Arthur Hardware Store, a staple in the area for 117 years, also announced its closure.
“Other stores have closed, I'm here all the time because I'm in the area, so it's a little disappointing,” said Mark Wiechec.
Wiechec, a self-employed handy man, said VALU and Arthur’s had service he hasn't found at other places in Orchard Park.
“Unfortunately, a lot of times in the bigger stores they don't have the background to be selling what they're selling,” Wiechec said.
A liquidation sale at the three location begins Thursday, with the official closing date set to be in about a month.
“When it gets down to very few items left, we'll pull the plug at that time, so approximately over the course of four weeks or longer, if necessary,” Ortman said.
After the North Buffalo, Lockport and Orchard Park stores close, 28 locations throughout the region will still remain open.
Dillon Morello is a reporter from Pittsburgh who has been part of the News 4 team since September of 2023. See more of his work here and follow him on Twitter.