ROSELAND — In 1923, brothers Martin, Herman and Nathan Root opened their namesake hardware store, Root Brothers Manufacturing and Supply, with a pledge to provide quality goods and great customer service.
Over the years, the business grew into a national hardware supplier while maintaining the mom-and-pop storefront near 103rd and Michigan. While Root Brothers continues to grow, including plans to open a 80,000-square-foot warehouse in Hammond, Ind., the storefront the started it all closed up shop last month.
Some locals learned about the store closing from a note taped to the front door that read: "Thank you all for your support over the last century. Throughout the years we have made friendships that last a lifetime, and we thank you for your loyalty to our establishment."
Root Brothers vice president Aaron Root, a third-generation owner, said the family didn't take closing the store lightly.
"It was really hard to close the retail store. We had some employees that were with us for more than 50 years," he said. "But we're not closing the business and we're still in Chicago."
The company's Chicago headquarters, located across the street from the hardware store, will remain open to serve industrial clients.
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