Crown Ace hardware store in Encinitas to close

Crown Ace Hardware at Pacific Station in Encinitas will offer closeout sales before permanently shutting its doors next month. Photo via Facebook.

ENCINITAS — Since 2010, Crown Ace Hardware has delivered household tools and appliances to the Encinitas community.

But inadequate parking at Pacific Station on the South Coast Highway 101 contributed to a dwindling customer base, forcing the hardware store to permanently shut its doors next month, according to a company statement.

“Unfortunately the parking in this location was a significant challenge which had a direct impact on our business,” said Mark Schulein, president of Crown Ace Hardware. “We’ve been proud to serve our customers in this location for the last ten years and have built meaningful relationships with the community. We are sad to be leaving.”

Schulein said the store will offer discounts on most of its inventory during the next four weeks of operations.

Ace Hardware will continue to serve customers in the San Diego area at locations in Clairemont and Carlsbad, as well as online.

The company is also working with employees at the Encinitas location to find new job opportunities at other Ace Hardware stores in San Diego.