A Scarsdale store will disappear as a result of the recent decision by Smith & Hawken, a retail chain that sells gardening supplies and outdoor furniture, to go out of business and close 56 stores in 22 states.
The stores, including one at 696 White Plains Road in Scarsdale, are expected to shut down by the end of the year. The closing process, which is being supervised by third-party consultants, started last week with special sales at the stores.
Smith & Hawken has already stopped accepting orders through its Web site, catalog and call center.
Small home and garden retailers such as Smith & Hawken have been hurt by the slow U.S. economy and weak housing market. Parent company Scotts Miracle-Gro, a lawn and garden products giant, said that it had hoped to sell Smith & Hawken to avoid job losses and preserve the franchise.
“However, after discussions with several potential investors over the past 12 months, it became obvious that shutting down the business was the best option available,” Jim Hagedorn, chairman and chief executive officer of ScottsMiracle-Gro, said in a written statement. “It is with regret for the associates of Smith & Hawken and our many loyal customers that we have reached this conclusion.”
