Ayers Hardware Store Closing

For nearly 80 years, Ayers Variety & Hardware was much more than a place to buy tools, paint, or household supplies. It was a gathering place where neighbors met, children spent their allowances, and customers knew they would find friendly advice along with whatever they needed. Its closing in 2026 marked the end of one of Arlington County’s most beloved and enduring local businesses.

Ayers traces its roots to 1948, when John W. Ayers opened J. W. Ayers Five and Ten Cents Store in the growing Westover shopping district. Arlington was expanding rapidly after World War II, and Westover was emerging as one of the county’s most vibrant neighborhoods. The new store quickly became a cornerstone of the community.

Like the classic five-and-dime stores of the era, Ayers stocked an impressive variety of merchandise. Customers could find hardware, paint, plumbing supplies, toys, school supplies, gardening tools, housewares, greeting cards, and seasonal decorations – all under one roof. Its broad inventory inspired a favorite neighborhood saying: “If Ayers doesn’t have it, you don’t need it.”

John Ayers was as well known for his community spirit as for his business. Affectionately called the “Mayor of Westover,” he believed a neighborhood store should be a place where people gathered, not simply shopped. He supported local schools, participated in civic organizations, and helped organize community events that strengthened Westover’s identity. His personal approach to customer service helped make Ayers an institution for generations of Arlington families.

In 1968, Ayers demonstrated his commitment to his employees by placing the business into a profit-sharing arrangement that benefited the people who had helped build its success. Following his death in 1976, many residents wondered whether the store would survive.

The following year, the Kaplan family purchased the business and preserved the qualities that had made Ayers unique. While updating its inventory to meet changing customer needs, they maintained the store’s commitment to knowledgeable service, personal relationships, and an eclectic selection of merchandise. Even as big-box retailers and online shopping transformed the retail landscape, Ayers remained a destination for customers seeking expert advice and hard-to-find items.

One of the store’s greatest challenges came in 2019, when severe flooding caused extensive damage and destroyed thousands of dollars in merchandise. The community’s response reflected the affection many residents felt for the business. Following the flood, neighbors organized fundraising efforts, volunteered their time, and intentionally chose to shop locally to help the business recover.

In July 2026, Ayers announced it would permanently close after 78 years in business. Siblings Kristy and Keith Peterkin, who had operated the store after succeeding their parents, explained that their lease was ending, they were ready to retire, and despite efforts to find a buyer, no successor could be found to continue the business.

The announcement prompted an outpouring of memories from generations of Arlington residents. Many recalled shopping for school supplies before the first day of class, finding the perfect tool for a home repair, or browsing the aisles during the holidays. Others remembered the employees who knew customers by name and always seemed able to solve a problem or locate an elusive item.

In a farewell message, the Peterkin family thanked the community for supporting the business through decades of change, including the 2019 flood, the COVID-19 pandemic, and the many personal milestones shared with loyal customers. They wrote, “Many of you have become much more than customers – you have become part of our story.”

The closing of Ayers represents more than the loss of a neighborhood hardware store. It marks the passing of one of Arlington’s longest-running independent businesses and a symbol of Westover’s enduring small-town character. For nearly eight decades, Ayers demonstrated how a locally owned business could help define a neighborhood—not simply by selling merchandise, but by building relationships, serving generations of families, and creating a lasting sense of community.

At a Glance: Ayers Through the Years

1948 – John W. Ayers opens J. W. Ayers Five and Ten Cents Store in Westover.

1950s–1960s – The store becomes a neighborhood landmark, offering everything from hardware and housewares to toys and school supplies.

1968 – John Ayers establishes a profit-sharing plan for the store’s employees.

1976 – John W. Ayers dies after nearly three decades of serving the Westover community.

1977 – The Kaplan family purchases the business and continues its tradition of neighborhood service.

2019 – Severe flooding damages the store, but community support helps Ayers recover.

2026 – After 78 years in business, Ayers announces its closing, marking the end of an era in Westover.

Sources

Arlington Public Library, Everything Under the Sun: Ayers Variety Store.

ARLnow, “Westover’s Ayers Variety & Hardware to Close After 78 Years,” July 2026.

The Washington Post coverage of Westover Village and Ayers Hardware.

Arlington Historical Society collections.