Bess Hardware, the independent hardware and sports store at 1875 Willow Road in Northfield, will close permanently in mid-to-late October after 66 years in business.

The store posted the announcement on its front doors and on Instagram on Saturday, Sept. 19. An exact final day has not been set.

Assistant manager Xander Chambers told The Record North Shore, which first reported the closure, that business had been underwhelming in recent months. Chambers said ownership decided it was "a good time to sell" the property, though the sale is not yet official.

"People are livid over this … Customers are finding out, coming in and telling us they come here instead of Ace," Chambers said. "The neighborhood is upset about us going."

Northfield Village Manager Patrick Brennan said village officials learned about the closure from the posted signs, not from the store directly. Brennan confirmed Bess Hardware had been in talks with a prospective buyer for the 22,425-square-foot property, though no details about the buyer or future plans for the building have been disclosed.

"They have been a longtime business here … and we hate to see them close up shop," Brennan said.

Bess Hardware was founded in 1960 and has served three generations of North Shore families, according to the store's Facebook page. The Willow Road storefront sold hardware, hand tools, power tools, plumbing and electrical supplies, sporting goods, fitness gear, and outdoor equipment. The Record reported that owner Art Bess did not respond to requests for comment as of Sept. 21.

A storewide liquidation sale is underway. Everything in the building is marked down 20%, or 30% for customers who pay cash. Store fixtures, shelving, and display equipment are also for sale. Liquidation hours are 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday through Friday and 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday and Sunday.

No public plans for the property's future have surfaced. The store said it will announce an official closing date as it gets closer to mid-to-late October.