Yet another store in our area has closed and the owner is blaming the economy. Now people living in the small community in Carbon County are struggling to find another place to buy the things they need.
Bernie's Variety Mart has been a staple in the Beaver Meadows community for more than half a century however the tough economy has hit the small-town store hard, forcing it to shut its doors for good.
The lights have been turned off and the shelves are being cleared as what once stood as a Beaver Meadows hot spot is now officially closed for business. The owner says the economy is to blame.
"It all takes it's toll," said William Swinesburg. He bought Bernie's about 13 years ago but the store has been around for decades.
It was first opened as a pool hall then later became a general store in the mid 1950s. A year and a half ago, Swinesburg said, business started to suffer. As people lost their jobs sales dropped, leaving the owners with no other option.
"Now the economy has just got to the point where we can't survive any longer," Swinesburg added.
"In the economic times we are in it's hard for anyone, especially small business to make it right now," said Dan Ringleban of the Beaver Meadows Deli down the street. He addedwithout Bernie's there is nowhere else in town to get essentials so his store is going to start selling milk, eggs and bread to pick up some of the slack.
"It's an older crowd in Beaver Meadows and surrounding areas so to help out we are just going to carry your basics, bread, milk, lunch meats, anything we can do to help," Ringleban added.
Back at Bernie's owner William Swinesburg finishes packing up. He said he's not sure what is next for him and his family but he will miss all of Bernie's familiar faces.
"We had so many good customers, loyal customers and we're going to miss them. Many of them have become good friends and it's a pretty emotional time," Swinesburg sid.
He added he is not sure what will happen to the building. It is currently for sale.
Bernie's Variety Mart has been a staple in the Beaver Meadows community for more than half a century however the tough economy has hit the small-town store hard, forcing it to shut its doors for good.
The lights have been turned off and the shelves are being cleared as what once stood as a Beaver Meadows hot spot is now officially closed for business. The owner says the economy is to blame.
"It all takes it's toll," said William Swinesburg. He bought Bernie's about 13 years ago but the store has been around for decades.
It was first opened as a pool hall then later became a general store in the mid 1950s. A year and a half ago, Swinesburg said, business started to suffer. As people lost their jobs sales dropped, leaving the owners with no other option.
"Now the economy has just got to the point where we can't survive any longer," Swinesburg added.
"In the economic times we are in it's hard for anyone, especially small business to make it right now," said Dan Ringleban of the Beaver Meadows Deli down the street. He addedwithout Bernie's there is nowhere else in town to get essentials so his store is going to start selling milk, eggs and bread to pick up some of the slack.
"It's an older crowd in Beaver Meadows and surrounding areas so to help out we are just going to carry your basics, bread, milk, lunch meats, anything we can do to help," Ringleban added.
Back at Bernie's owner William Swinesburg finishes packing up. He said he's not sure what is next for him and his family but he will miss all of Bernie's familiar faces.
"We had so many good customers, loyal customers and we're going to miss them. Many of them have become good friends and it's a pretty emotional time," Swinesburg sid.
He added he is not sure what will happen to the building. It is currently for sale.
