At 76, Henry Anderson is ready to retire.
Anderson, known as Hank by his friends, is closing his used furniture store on Kent Road by the end of March.
One Anderson or the other has filled the space at 266 Kent Road (Route 7 north) with curios and used furniture for 30 years.
Started by Anderson's wife, Madeleine, and son, Bruce, in 1983, it came under Hank's ownership in 1994 as Hank's Used Furniture & Antiques.
But poor health and a bad economy have led Anderson to decide retirement may be in his best interest.
"I worked at Scovil for 27 years and when it closed in 1984, I came into business here with my son, Bruce," Anderson said. "Bruce and his mother had started the business. Then Madeleine went out on her own, opening Connecticut Memories on Railroad Street."
In 1994, Bruce Anderson left, joining an auction company in the Bronx. His father has run the business since, with Earl Woodin as his helper.
"The whole industry has taken a bad turn," Anderson said. "I used to go to auctions in Litchfield and would spend $3,000, $4,000, bring down a load of furniture and do well selling it. Those days are over."
Anderson surveyed an oak Hoosier, a Victorian hall tree, and oak wardrobes that stood in the front area of his shop.
"I used to get $1,200 for a Hoosier like this. Now I'm letting it go for around $300," Anderson said.
Prices have been reduced in the shop. A final sale will take place at a date still being determined.
Ed Cook has been a regular customer at the shop.
"It has always been nice to come in here," Cook said. "You feel welcomed and are always treated like family. It's a treasure chest here."
Old vinyl records, retro pictures from the 1940s, and stoneware soup tureens are among the many smaller items that fill the shop's two floors.
"I appreciate all of the support that I have had over the years," Anderson said. "Most of my sales have been to local people. I'll miss seeing everyone, but it's time to retire."
Hank's Used Furniture & Antiques, 266 Kent Road, New Milford, is open 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. seven days a week. 860-355-9073.
Source: www.newstimes.com
Anderson, known as Hank by his friends, is closing his used furniture store on Kent Road by the end of March.
One Anderson or the other has filled the space at 266 Kent Road (Route 7 north) with curios and used furniture for 30 years.
Started by Anderson's wife, Madeleine, and son, Bruce, in 1983, it came under Hank's ownership in 1994 as Hank's Used Furniture & Antiques.
But poor health and a bad economy have led Anderson to decide retirement may be in his best interest.
"I worked at Scovil for 27 years and when it closed in 1984, I came into business here with my son, Bruce," Anderson said. "Bruce and his mother had started the business. Then Madeleine went out on her own, opening Connecticut Memories on Railroad Street."
In 1994, Bruce Anderson left, joining an auction company in the Bronx. His father has run the business since, with Earl Woodin as his helper.
"The whole industry has taken a bad turn," Anderson said. "I used to go to auctions in Litchfield and would spend $3,000, $4,000, bring down a load of furniture and do well selling it. Those days are over."
Anderson surveyed an oak Hoosier, a Victorian hall tree, and oak wardrobes that stood in the front area of his shop.
"I used to get $1,200 for a Hoosier like this. Now I'm letting it go for around $300," Anderson said.
Prices have been reduced in the shop. A final sale will take place at a date still being determined.
Ed Cook has been a regular customer at the shop.
"It has always been nice to come in here," Cook said. "You feel welcomed and are always treated like family. It's a treasure chest here."
Old vinyl records, retro pictures from the 1940s, and stoneware soup tureens are among the many smaller items that fill the shop's two floors.
"I appreciate all of the support that I have had over the years," Anderson said. "Most of my sales have been to local people. I'll miss seeing everyone, but it's time to retire."
Hank's Used Furniture & Antiques, 266 Kent Road, New Milford, is open 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. seven days a week. 860-355-9073.
Source: www.newstimes.com