By CRAIG FREILICH

DeKALB JUNCTION – Lee Carvel of Carvel Hardware, 4420 U.S. Hwy. 11, has put everything up for discounted sale as he gets closer to a closing date of June 1.

He said he is giving up the hardware business after 25 years because “at 62 years old, you’re going to slow down.”

He will be keeping the trophy and plaque business going, but the rest of the business will be done.

“About a year ago I was advertising the business by word of mouth and signs here at the store,” Carvel said. “I was hoping for a local buyer. I would stay and help them get on their feet,” but no viable offers came his way. As far as financing is concerned, “what people have and what banks wanted didn’t meet,” he said.

I’ve still got lots of inventory,” Carvel said, and as he gets closer to the closing date, discounts will deepen.

Carvel graduated from Clarkson University with an accounting degree, and worked for Potsdam accountant Morris Pinto before buying the hardware store.

He bought the business, C.J. Bush Hardware, in 1988. Carvel said Bush built the 240-foot long building about 25 years before that.

“The building is for sale, or I will rent out parts of it,” Carvel said.

“I’m going to take it easy with the trophies and plaques,” he said. For that, he will be open Monday, Wednesday and Friday from 12:30 to 4 p.m. after the first of June.

For more info, call the store at 347-3465.