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Surprised Customers Find Plainfield Lumber Closed Without Warning Friday

Posted at 6:54 PM, Apr 05, 2013
and last updated 2013-04-05 18:54:47-04

A popular lumber and hardware store on Plainfield Avenue is closing, surprising a number of residents on the Northeast side of Grand Rapids.

Customers were pulling into the Plainfield Lumber and Hardware store throughout the afternoon Friday only to find the doors locked.

“They were in business here for a lot of years,” said Mike Foor, a long-time customer at Plainfield Lumber. “That’s a shame. My Dad used to come here.”

A note on the window read, “After more than 67 years, we are sad to say we are closing our doors. We wish to thank all of you.”

Some regular customers said they were not surprised because they had been noticing some signs over the past few months.

“I just noticed lately their stock had been declining. But I have been doing business here for a lot of years,” said Foor.

“Everyone knew it had been struggling for a few years, but family owned businesses, you never really know if they’re going to close.,” said Matt Kool, Plainfield Lumber customer. “It’s too bad for the area.”

Kool had stopped by the store Friday to return something. He said he’ll now have to be creative with the product he bought.

“I was returning some primer. I bought too much primer the other day for a house renovation,” said Kool. “I guess I’ll start a new project with it but that’s OK.”

“They were always good people, willing to help,” said Dan Francis, customer.

Loyal customers like Francis say they appreciated the business and they are sad to see Plainfield Lumber go.

“They always had the parts nobody else had. They’re going to be missed dearly,” said Francis.