This is sad, I know many of the people who work there and have purchased so much stuff from them that you just can't find at the big box stores.

Now that is sad.

Ludewig's closing?: Oh no! Is there anything that can be done so that this does not happen?!! There ARE those of us who value the joy and greater ease and so much better, knowledgable, personal and caring service at a small, neighborhood store, and who avoid huge stores or shopping malls like a plague.

I remember my first time in Ludewig's... how struck with how "Old World" it was. Now I contemplate yet another huge loss to Teaneck... not only the passing of an era, but negative forces coming into play.

That's really a sad loss for us. Ludwig's service was unbeatable. Was quicker and easier than shopping at Home Depot. They knew what you needed, and had it. I hate Home Depot.

Of all the recent closures, this makes me the saddest. Merrick ran a really nice family friendly neighborhood store. Allways ready to help with whatever you nedded. What a shame that the town couldn't support something like this.

What a loss! But I understand the economics and the numbers. Ludewig's was "my place" to go for 30+ years. I always said to Beloved Spouse that when some small home repair was needed (I am not a do-it-yourself guy), it meant " at least two trips to Ludewigs. I could explain to them what I needed to do; and they could get me the stuff, whether a nail, screw, hanger, tool or some kind of goop that I needed to do it.
Thanks, guys.

Maybe Walgreens will want to open a location there as well! After all it is only a stones throw away from 1 of the CVS's!! This town is ridiculous...

This is the last straw. My entire house has been fixed with Ludwig's supplies Paint, plumbing, electrical and helpful people. This closing hurts way more than Louie's or the movie theater it was easily the most valuable asset in town.

Lew Abramson

Aleibo... don't blame the town. This is an example of a family making a personal decision based upon economics and the reality of Teaneck, Bergen County and the country going through a metamorphis of commerce. I will remember the selection, service and wonderful hardware store smell of Ludewig's. Good luck to the Fradkin family and thanks for decades of service.

Frankly I was partial to Goodman's but only because I could walk there. The old place Goodman's had on Queen Anne Rd was nice then they built a bigger store. The layout of that store meant a lot of inventory was walking out of the store. I miss them but then I figured Ludewigs had a lock on Teaneck and Bogota. It did last but, alas, not long enough. You will be missed.

Sad news!!! The only place that had everything that Homedepot and Lowes does not have :0(

The town should try and do whatever it can possibly do to save this business. I don't know what it can do, but I'm speaking out of desperation. We love this store. Wouldn't it be wonderful if Teaneck leadership did some sort of event or initiative to build up, merchandise, publicize, etc. local businesses to draw more customers? (I do know there's a local Chamber of Commerce.) How many more small businesses can we possibly afford to lose in Teaneck before it becomes void retail wasteland or ghost town? This is really upsetting.

Very sad news Merrick! I love the small stores and the service you get. I always frequent Monahan paint up in our part of the woods. I hate that the box stores are taking over....Best of luck to you in your next venture!

OMG!!!!! they have saved me from so many emergencies!!! they are soooo helpful and pleasant there.. this is very sad news.. there has to be something we can all do to save it. go shopping there people.. we need to support our business!!!

What a loss for Teaneck. For the 42 years I lived on Walnut Street, Ludwigs was the place to go, not only for hardware, but for advice. The staff was always there willing to provide help and the right material to solve problems. Thank you for your years of service and I wish you all the very best.

My father, Don Ware, worked in this store for many years and loved every minute he spent helping the customers he thought of as friends, neighbors and family. This is one of many of the real memories I have of my youth spent growing up in a good old fashion "town". Best of luck Merrick.

This is such a loss. I never cared if Homedepot or Lowes had lower prices. I always shopped at Ludwings.

Wow! I can & can't believe it. Love Ludwig's they are the little store in town. Sad I always feel sorry the employees.

Sad news indeed. I used them often but I understand why they had to close their store.

To all the poeple who want the town to do anything about this should look no where. They are free to spend their own money and buy that place and run it. The store is closing because it was not making the sales and was not turning a profit.

The market is forcing small businesses to close all across America and the big box stores and chains are taking over. This is not a Teaneck problem. There is nothing Teaneck could have done to prevent this. For once I am not blaming the town for it.

That is sad that they have to close. I worked there when I was in high school. I used to repair screens and windows in the back shop area. I was a great place to work. Thanks for the memories. Brian G

Teaneck....becoming East Timor every day.

Sad to hear this. Just another Teaneck bastion falling away. Why is this happening now? Rents too high? Malls and big box stores pulling customers away?

This is heart breaking. I have lived in Teaneck for over 35 years. Berry, Merrick's father, was always so helpful when it came to fix-up issues. The entire staff has always been pleasant and helpful whenever there was a need to stop there. I am a professional musician, and they have supported me through the years by attending shows and other gigs I would tell them about. I taught in the Teaneck Public Schools for 28 years and during the summers I had my own Handi-man business. They didn't have to, but they totally supported MY little enterprise and would recommend me to their customers. The big box stores won't do that! One summer when I lost my drivers license due to points, I went to Merrick and asked him if he needed anyone to work in the store...he immediately hired me on the spot to help me out. I could ride mt bike to work and didn't need to drive. He didn't have to help me, but he did. There is no town to blame for the closing...we are all to blame for not frequenting the store more often. I am to blame. When I retired from teaching, I wasn't doing my Handi-man business and didn't stop in the store as much. I was concerning in "saving" a few dollars and I am ashamed to say, would stop at one of tha "big" impersonal stores, only stopping occasionally at Ludewigs. I will miss Merrick, his (laughable?) jokes, Berry and the employees and their professionalism! SO SAD!!!!

This is the absolute worst.

You could see the writing on the wall, places like Ludewig’s are getting toppled over like dominoes in this region.

A couple of reasons why I think a place like this can’t compete is bigger-ticket item availability and generational gap.

Small purchases? No problem. But if you need to buy, say a vanity for your bathroom- if you go to a place like Lowes or Home Depot there are tons of choices that are in stock and cheaper than the quality custom orders Ludewig’s offers (one that you may have to wait up to a week or more to get in).

The younger generation who are starting out making less money - go for quick, cheaper options and relationships aren’t forged with the town hardware store. Plus, many “kids” have little or no familiarity of the mom & pop shop “way” - and why should they? They are accustomed to online and warehouse shopping. These “kids” I speak of are now in their 20’s+30’s with places of their own.

I will miss the ability to run out for 10 minutes to pick up extra light bulbs or a specific screw or bolt I just can’t seem to find. They treat their customers fairly and always offer to help carry things out to your car (for anyone, even for athletic younger guys like myself). Buy a broom or shovel at Home Depot and it breaks down in weeks, I still have a shovel in my garage I bought from Ludewig's in the 90's.

I wish all of them the very best in whatever they choose to do.

Who’s next? J&J?

Well, let me offer a differing opinion. I have lived in Teaneck for my entire life, absent time spent in college. I have never stepped foot into Ludewigs. Why? I didn't know it existed. Sure, I've passed that building a zillion times, but I never once stopped to consider what was going on inside of it. Of my numerous friends and family that I still have in Teaneck, I'm almost positive that none of them has ever shopped there. Had I known it was there, I probably would have gone there instead of Home Depot, etc. as those stores are too large.

Nowadays, I find myself staying away from the large stores because it's just too overwhelming. The parking, the crowds.....UGH. Give me a store where I can quickly run in and out, and I'm there! I strongly support Mom and Pop operations. They are the backbone of our communities!

So, I say this to say: Perhaps Ludewigs should have marketed themselves a little differently. Perhaps this is something that could convince them to stay.

Ludewig's was my first job, and I have loved the store and all the people in it ever since. I started working there at the age of 14, in 1995, as a cashier, so that I can make some money and it was close enough to walk from BHS. I was there for about 10 years off and on and had even been a manager at one point, which was extremely fun, being that I am a woman. Barry has been like a Father to me, and Merrick is considered family to me. Growing up in the store and getting to know many teaneck residents was amazing. I still get recognized in town as the " Ludewig"s girl" and it makes me smile everytime. Nothing can replace the experiences I have had at Ludewig's and I am proud to say that my work ethics came from this almost magical store. I'm so sad to see it go. Barry, Dot, Merrick, Michelle and the kids, I love you all so much and there will always be a special place in my heart for all of you.

Tania

I have worked here for 9 years this march. Ludewig's put me through college and Merrick never let my job with him get in the way of my school and bettering myself. I am proud to be a veteran of the store. I learned to speak Spanish here as well and can comfortably "shoot the breeze" with any Latino or Hispanic customer. Ludewig's has provided me with assets to ensure my own success in this world. The main reason I stayed so very long was because it was simply the coolest job ever! Thanks Tania for defending the awesomeness of the store :). You're more a veteran than I in many ways. Word up. Anyone who thinks negatively about the store's passing is simply a boob. The Fradkin family will always be close to my heart and I'm happy I got to be a part of an "olde fashioned" hardware store. Im the greatest person in the world! Thanks Mer-Man! I love you. One last thing. His name is MERRICK, not Merril, Eric, Merrit, Jezebele, Abraham, or any weird variation you people come up with. :)

Sincerely, the skinny kid with the glasses

My dad worked there when I was little, and I loved going there, and I would still go there if I lived close by. Very, very sad to hear they're closing.

I am a long time resident since 1948 I got to know the current owners and developed a nice relationship. I suppose a large number of the old customers like myself have moved away to retire in Florida and the new people were enticed by the big box stores. Its a shame and I wish the Fradkin family the best . Allan Birnbaum

Love to follow Teaneck News

This is heartbreaking to me! I am the third generation of a family that called Teaneck home -- the first being my grandparents, Richard and Anna Ferris of Park Avenue -- and I cannot even imagine that town without Ludewig's. Ludewig's is not only a Teaneck landmark, but it was my grandfather's favorite store up until his death. I remember him taking me in there from the time I was a small child. I now live in North Carolina, but it is still so sad to know that Ludewig's and other Teaneck landmarks are disappearing little by little. Best of luck, Fradkin family. You will definitely be missed! Barbara Begendorf Hardin

So sad for me and for the town. Such a shame Teaneck cannot support one family owned hardware store. They will be sorely missed.

I used to shop at Goodman's because I lived close by. When they were closing, the owner asked me to start shopping at Ludewig's to keep supporting the mom & pop businesses. I'm very sad to see Ludewig's is closing. Are there any other small business to use, or do we now have to shop at Home Depot?

Linda & Jay
WOW! Barry & Merrick, we love you but now know that you are loved by so many. Be proud, you've earned it! Much love.

So sad to hear the news about Ludewig's... I grew up in Ridgefield Park and remember my dad always running out to Ludewigs for just about everything and anything for around the house. My husband and I purchased a home in Teaneck 5 years ago and frequently shopped at Ludewigs (as new homeowners do). It definitely had the warm mom and pop store feel to it. Sad to see it go. Good luck to the Fradkin family. What a loss for the community...

Whatever happens, and it looks like not much will change, the owners and workers at Ludewigs can go knowing that what they did was good, was appreciated, was valued and will be missed.

If Ludewig's Hardware was on fire, and a customer needed a screw, Merrick and his
dad, Barry, would say "screw the fire, get the screw! " That's how the Fradkins felt
about customer service. Customers always FIRST! And, I know because I've been
working there for 13 years. I've had many jobs in my life, but I've never had as boss
as good as Merrick, who took over the business from his father in 2000.As a team, they created the "perfect" hardware store. Never heard a complaint. Always good.
Of course, I'll miss the store, but, more importantly. I'll miss Merrick, his dad, Barry,
Merrick's wife, Michelle, Barry's wife, Dot, and Merrick's children, Melissa and Mitchell. And. I'll miss all of my former fellow employees, including Joe,Isabel,Amanda,Mike, Boomer, Adam, Ryan, Jen. Gillian. Ashley and "Mr. Fixit".Pete. Amen.

And, Sarah. And last but not least ... Bianca!

My head is spinning! I, too, have enjoyed my trips to Ludewig's. Over the years though, I have been doing fewer projects so my visits have been less frequent. I shop Cedar Lane, Queen Anne and Teaneck Road. I want my money to stay in Teaneck as much as possible. Now I spend movie money in Ridgefield Park and Paramus, fast food money in Hackensack and Bergenfield. Everybody better rush over to Bischoff's just to be sure they are not planning on leaving.

And, the one and only ... Gwen.

And, who could ever forget Tania.

After reaing all these perfect testimonials, there really is nothing that hasn't been said. Ludwig's was an institution in Teaneck and will be missed.
Barbara Sussman

What I want to say is there is nothing that can be added to all the sentiments already expressed. Everyone else said it so eloquently!

Where will I get all my spare keys made!!!? I will miss this convenient little place, sorry to see you go. Good luck to all..

Very sad that the big chains are destroying the mom and pop stores and taking the "character" out of our towns. What will we see next - a Walmart in the Grand Canyon? The chain stores have taken over to our detriment.

A Walmart in the Grand Canyon? Watch what you wish for.

Walmart workers must eat too and Walmart only pays enough so they can only afford to shop at Walmart and eat at McDonald's.

Too sad so many businesses are closing in Teaneck. Is Ludewig's or Louie's big enough to become an arcade? Would be a big draw for the young folks, who have little to go to locally. Can the township's business mgmt communicate with quality businesses; like the Scholastic store, showing Teaneck's wonderful demographics, instead of settling for more chain stores to move in?

On behalf of all us Fradkin's, [Merrick’s wife, Michele speaking here] we have been humbled by everyone’s outpour of gracious and generous expressions of gratitude and appreciation. I am confident in saying that each day greeting everyone in the Teaneck community has been a pleasure, a learning, and rewarding. The jokes and laughter have carried into our homes and the stories forever in our hearts! The family we have in Teaneck will always be, and the memories a keepsake. Thank you everyone for making this an era of remarkable stance and a foundation of what’s yet to come! Please stop in Saturday, April 5th, as Ludewig’s says thank you and share in a toast to an era of remarkable stance and salute to a future yet to come!

Saturday April 6th...ooops.