LYNN-Tryon Mountain Hardware is closing its doors soon after 17 years of operation.

Kim and Jeff Clement, owners, opened the store in November 2001.

“The community has become dear to our hearts,” Kim said. “We just feel appreciative of the support that people have given us over the years.”

The building was sold recently and Kim said they felt like it was the time to retire. A sale began last Thursday, Sept. 21 to invited customers and will continue until the inventory is gone.

“God has a plan,” said Kim, “We’ve had 17 wonderful years of serving the public and now it is time to open a new chapter in our lives.”

Jeff is a Tryon native and Kim moved here in 1984 from southern California. Their son, Patrick, who is now serving in the U.S. Navy, spent summers working in the store and appreciates the life skills he learned by working in the hardware store.

Danny Pena has worked in the store for 13 years, since he was 15-years-old.

“He is more like a son to us,” Jeff said, “and both Kim and I appreciate his hard work and loyalty.”

Jeff said they considered moving the store, but there’s just nowhere feasible to move in the area.

“We hate to disappoint our customers but we feel that this is our best option,” said the Clements.

Kim said the family aspect of the store has been one of the hardest things for them in deciding to close the store.

“Our customers have been like family and we have been blessed by meeting so many fine people,” Kim said.

The Clements have done landscaping on and off for many years, even before opening Tryon Mountain Hardware, and Kim will continue that business.

Kim has enjoyed applying her horticulture degree over the years, including landscape consultation and design. This is her area of expertise and she plans on continuing in this field.

Tryon Mountain Hardware is selling everything from wall to wall, including the shelving.

Not all the inventory is on the floor yet because of space. Kim said people should continue to check the inventory over the next several weeks, including for Christmas items.

The retirement sale includes an exciting contest with many opportunities to win great prizes.

For more information about the retirement sale or the contest, visit the store, which is conveniently located at between Tryon and Columbus on Hwy. 108 (2186 Lynn Rd.).