St. John Hardware is being offered for sale for $1,695,000.
The owners are long time island residents, well known for their community involvement and support of its activities and charities.
Now located at the Marketplace, and one of the original developers of the project, the business has been the go-to place for builders, contractors, craftsmen and home owners for more than 15 years. The owners bought t just a year before Hurricane Marilyn, which devastated the island in 1995.
Prior to that at the Marketplace, "Hardware Bob", located in what is now Starfish Market's paerking lot, was the place for paint, nails, and hammers. Despite a small inventory, he did a good business. Island veterans remember his weak-hipped German Shepherd used to lie behind the counter of the dusty store.
About six years ago, a competitor to St. John Hardware opened its doors on Centerline Road near the Clinic, doing business as Paradise Lumber.
The Multiple Listing Service description of the business is this: "A unique business opportunity, St. John Hardware is the largest retail facility of its kind that sells a general variety of products found in typical hardware stores as well as paint and gardening supplies with a primary clientele of general contractors, sub-contractors, property management and homeowners of St. John."