Hardware store opening soon

Creemore could have its hardware store back up and running by August, says a company rep.

Dave Tucker, Area Manager of Home Hardware Store Limited, says that since the store went into receivership in May, he has had interest from potential owners.

“We have had several interested parties contact us,” Tucker said. “It might not be until mid- to late August, but we have every intention of having the store open as a Home Hardware as soon as possible.”

Trish Miles, who owns the business, confirmed that she is looking to sell.

On May 1, she and her employees were locked out of the store for back payment of $5,921.46 in rent by building owner Brian Doran.

Miles said that she had offered to pay the entire amount to Doran at the end of April, but that Doran had refused to accept it.

However, Doran told the Echo that Miles did not offer to pay the full amount.

“The landlord and I are in a dispute,” Miles said. “Things have not been moving positively. The lawyers advised that Brian and I should not communicate personally.”

When the receiver, Grant Thornton LLP, OKs it, Miles, Tucker and Doran will visit the store together to tie up loose ends and pick up personal belongings.

Miles and her late husband, Richard, purchased the store in 2012. They moved to Creemore from Durham, where Richard had been a Home Hardware employee for 16 years. About one year later, Richard passed away.

“It’s unfortunate that we have had to be closed,” said Miles. “I offer an apology to the people of Creemore.”