Unable to compete with large hardware chains, Bell's Hardware co-owners and brothers-in-law, Bruce Lees and Allan Bartlett, decided to call it a day.

While the big competitors were behind their decision to close the doors for good, the business partners were adamant they offered their customers something the larger operators never did personalised customer service.

"We can give the customer exactly what they want,'' Ms Bartlett said. "If someone comes in and wants to buy a nail we can do that. At the bigger stores they would have to buy a whole pack of nails.

"And we have alway done a free delivery in the area.''

Bell's Hardware has operated from the same premises at 48 Connells Point Road since 1921. It was originally owned and operated by the Bell family before it was bought by Mr Lees' father Gordon in 1976.

Mr Lees was working in a bank at the time and his father asked him if he wanted to cash in his super and join the business.

Allan Bartlett joined the firm when he married Bruce Lees' sister, Kerri. Since then, most of the family, including Mr Lees' brother, Jeffrey, have worked at the store at one time or another.

Mr Bartlett's son, Matthew, and Mr Lees' son, Gavin, now work there part-time.

"Twenty years ago we had two tills and 20 staff. Now we are down to four staff. The opening of the large hardware chains have made it too hard for us to operate,'' Mr Lees said.

"They can buy products 15 perthcent cheaper than us so what chance have we got? We have been lucky because we own the premises and don't have to pay rent.''

The announcement of the closure had drawn a big reaction from customers.

"We had a woman who was in here yesterday in tears because we were closing,'' said Mr Lees, who admitted he would be upset when the doors close for the last time.

"I've been here for 33 years. This has really been my life,'' he said.

At 57, neither man plans to retire. Mr Bartlett will do some contracting work while Mr Lees hopes to get a job at an independent hardware shop.

Bell's Hardware is holding a store-wide sale in the countdown to the closure.

Are you sad to see Bells close? Click on the link below to say goodbye.