MOORESVILLE - A year after accepting the state's Century Award for being in business more than 100 years, Newcomer Lumber and Building Supplies has closed its two locations.
Sandy Newcomer, the business' marketing director, said her husband, fourth-generation owner Jim Newcomer, ceased its operations at both the Mooresville and Greenfield locations on Oct. 5. She said approximately 15 employees total worked at the two lumberyards. "It's just hard," Sandy Newcomer said Friday. "After 105 years, it's not the way we wanted to close our business. We're all grieving."
Newcomer Lumber was started in 1904 in Beech Grove by W.S. Newcomer, whose role was eventually inherited by Verlie Newcomer, Dick Newcomer and, finally, Jim Newcomer.
At one time, the lumber retailer had three locations, but the Beech Grove location closed in the 1980s, Sandy Newcomer said. She said the Mooresville location opened in 1950, and Greenfield followed in 1962.
The marketing manager said the business catered to custom home builders, and "that market's pretty much dried up." During different stages of the company's history, Newcomer Lumber catered to various markets, switching from wholesale to retail and then back.
While the business was exploring other opportunities such as mergers and partnerships - which it still is - Jim Newcomer said there comes a time when the right business decision is to cease operations. "And we're there," he said.
The family was hopeful the lumberyards could hold on until the recession ends, but with winter approaching and challenges still lingering in the construction industry, the business was no longer viable, Sandy Newcomer said.
In its heyday, Newcomer Lumber employed 15 to 20 people at both locations, but the business had only a handful at each after restructuring in an attempt to reduce overhead, Sandy Newcomer said.
Sandy Newcomer said the family wants to extend its appreciation for being able to serve both the Mooresville and Greenfield communities for so long. In a press release, Jim Newcomer said he wanted to thank his staff, vendors, suppliers, fellow business owners and friends for the support through the years.
"Our family, over the years, certainly has been blessed. ... But in this day and age, it's just harder and harder for" small businesses, Sandy Newcomer said.
The company will be having a liquidation sale on Nov. 20. One will also be held in Greenfield on Nov. 19.