Columbus Hardware to close after 25 years

Published 8:00 am Friday, May 25, 2018

COLUMBUS — After 25 years, Columbus Hardware and Supply owner Pat Feagan said it is time to retire.

“I’ve done it long enough,” Feagan said.

Before his father, Charlie Feagan, built the building on Mills Street, Feagan was working for a bank. When his father finished the building in 1992, Feagan’s brother, Gary, opened a plumbing supply downstairs and Feagan opened the hardware store upstairs.

Sign up for our daily email newsletter

Get the latest news sent to your inbox

Feagan’s brother passed away a few years ago, and Feagan took over the plumbing supply business. Then, two years ago, he consolidated the two businesses and moved the hardware store downstairs.

Watson’s Appliance and Flooring Center now occupies the upstairs.

Silver smith artist Jimmi Buell finds the perfect sandpaper for her art at Columbus Hardware and Supply. (Photo by Catherine Hunter/Tryon Daily Bulletin)

Feagan said Watson’s has purchased a building, however, and are also moving to a different location.

Feagan does not have a set closing date.

“I’ll close when I sell out of everything,” he said.

He currently has everything marked half-off, and residents and contractors are coming in to pick up some great deals. Feagan still has in stock small quantities of the standard hardware items such as paint and calking supplies, some tools, some electrical supplies and, of course, plumbing supplies, including rows of PVC pipe fittings.

“I’m selling everything,” Feagan said. “Even the racks and the shelves.”

Local carpenter and plumber Michael Capps said he was sorry to see the store go.

“I’ve been coming in for about 10 years,” Capps said. “He’s always had good prices.”

Once the store is closed, Feagan plans to spend lots of hours enjoying Carolina team sports. He plans to attend as many games as he can in person.

“Whatever games they have,” he said. “Tennis, golf, football, baseball, basketball. All of them.”

Feagan said he will also enjoy traveling with his wife Mary. They plan to take in the sights throughout the US.

Though Feagan was born and raised in Columbus, he currently lives near Durham. Since he commutes to Columbus, the store is now only open from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday and Tuesday, and from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Wednesday.

Columbus Hardware is located at 84 West Mills St. in Columbus down the hill behind Watson’s Appliance and Flooring Center.