It’s been rumored for weeks, and it appears the Tulsa World has confirmed it — that Swinney’s Hardware in Tulsa, which has been operating since 1934, is set to close Aug. 1.
Swinney’s has a long association with historic Route 66. Swinney’s originally opened as a furniture store near Lewis Avenue and Admiral Place, the original Route 66 alignment in Tulsa. In 1941, it took over an existing hardware store at 32 S. Lewis Ave., which also is on the Admiral Place alignment, and went into the hardware business full-time.
Swinney’s also is well-known for its animated neon sign (see above).
However, not many Route 66 enthusiasts know about Swinney’s because hardware stores often aren’t necessary stops during road trips. Also, the Admiral Place alignment is the lesser-known way through town on Route 66.
The reason for Swinney’s impending demise isn’t surprising — sales dropped precipitously with the opening of the big-chain hardware stores in the 1990s. A Home Depot sits about three miles away.
Swinney’s hung in there because it prided itself in hard-to-find items:
The items include pumice stone polishing powder, old-style varnishes and window glaze, industrial cleaning aids and the WhirleyPop crank popcorn popping machine. John Swinney said their tung oil, used for treating outdoor furniture, is similar to what the Chinese used during construction of the Great Wall centuries ago.
Also among the inventory are bat houses. A sign on the front of the store advertises habitats for the flying, insect-eating mammals. […]
Unable to keep up with their vast stocks, Swinney’s concentrated on smaller and harder-to-find items. John Swinney said his family’s store also has a big advantage in customer service.
“It’s not just about the items — it’s the knowledge,” he said. “The other stores don’t know anything about the more obscure items.”
According to the article, there’s still a “remote” chance that the store will be sold. Here’s hoping.
In the meantime, check out Swinney’s while you can. It’s a bit far from where I live in west Tulsa, but there’s almost always something worthwhile to pick up there.
(Photo courtesy of IndieTulsa.com)
I have two companies-to-boycott lists. One is written on a magic slate. The other is laser-etched on a sheet of pure titanium. Would anyone like to guess which list Home Depot just landed on?
If John owns Swinney’s outright and is willing to sell it contract-for-deed, I will buy it right now.
John is willing to sell contract for deed, indeed. Even better options available. I can help you.
Sorry to hear that. I love the old family owned hardware stores. We have 1 left hear in my adopted home town; used to be a family owned chain of 3 stores…this is the last one. With 3 Home Depots only a few miles away (one about 5 miles to the south, one 15 to the north, and one 10 to the west), as well as chain hardware stores (including an ACO which I am MOST un-fond of) in town as well, I don’t know how long they’ll be able to hold out. But they are always my first stop when I need something.
I worked at this store when I went to Spartan School of Aeronautics in the middle 80’s. The Swinneys took me in like family!! I sure learned alot about life & hardware working for them. Sad to see John Jr. have to close it down.