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By Amanda Greenwood
Associate News Editor
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A longtime fixture in Nashville, Tennessee, suburb Franklin, Harpeth True Value Home Center—an independently owned store affiliated with the True Value hardware cooperative, which competes in the U.S. home‑improvement sector alongside chains such as Home Depot—is set to close its doors permanently on April 1, 2026, ending a run of more than five decades, according to a social media post published by the company on March 5, 2026.
Details About the Closure
In a message shared on Facebook, Harpeth True Value said the decision was made “with heavy hearts,” confirming that “financial realities and the changing retail landscape” have made it impossible for the company to continue operating.
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Large chains and online platforms now dominate the U.S. home‑improvement sector. In 2025, Home Depot controlled roughly 28 percent of the market, followed by Lowe’s at 17 percent, according to industry data from the Numerator Home Improvement Tracker. That concentration has left less room for smaller, independently-run stores like Harpeth True Value to compete on price, convenience, and logistics.
The owner, Mike Outlaw, told the Williamson Herald that the closure was due to a steady decline in business, particularly in lumber sales—including wood and wood‑based building materials for construction—which once accounted for as much as 70 to 80 percent of revenue.
He told the Herald that when he bought the business in 2022, it had “many long-standing relationships with local builders.” But as he was “the new guy in town” for “whatever reason, they decided to move,” adding that he did everything he could to try to keep their business, but “when they left, so did many of the regular customers who decided to take their business elsewhere."
Outlaw also told the Herald that he tried his best to sell the store, meeting with multiple potential buyers, but he was unsuccessful, leaving closure as the only viable option, which was the “last thing” he wanted to do.
Although Outlaw didn’t disclose any plans to file for bankruptcy protection, he did say that when True Value filed for bankruptcy in 2024, it may have harmed sales: "It's hard to say how much the corporate bankruptcy hurt our business, but the perception was there."
About Harpeth True Value Home Center
Founded more than 50 years ago, Harpeth True Value grew alongside Franklin as the city transformed from a small town into a fast‑growing suburb. Generations of families passed through its aisles, and some employees spent decades working there.
In it’s social media post, the store invited customers to stop by in its final weeks not just to shop, but to say goodbye and share memories with longtime staff members:
“In the coming weeks, we invite you to stop by, not just to shop, but to share memories, grab some popcorn, and spend a little time with the people who made this place feel like home. Come say goodbye to the familiar faces who have helped you, laughed with you, and served you faithfully over the years. Many of them have been part of your lives for decades.”
The store thanked the Franklin community for decades of loyalty, describing itself as more than just a place to shop, but a gathering spot where customers sought advice, shared stories, and worked through major life projects together.
“From the bottom of our hearts, thank you for welcoming us into your lives for more than 50 years. Thank you for your loyalty. Thank you for your kindness. Thank you for allowing us to serve you and this extraordinary community.”
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