ORWELL, Vt. (WCAX) – General stores have been at the heart of many Vermont communities for years, which is why the closure of Buxton’s Store in Orwell is going to be a big loss. Our Connor Ullathorne was there for their last day in business.
After 57 years, the sun is setting for Orwell’s general store.
The owners, Andy and his dad Rick, say a combination of factors led to the tough decision, including a desire to spend more time with young family and business realities.
“Our business we learned just isn’t as sustainable as it needs to be in order to make a profit and that’s why we had to make the decision,” Andy said. “I know it’s going to hurt people here, it’s hurting us.”
Andy says when they announced the closure earlier this month, community support poured in. “We were just inundated with and overwhelmed, emotionally, physically, with so much outpouring, love and grief,” he said.
“The community takes care of itself and they will take care of one another, and you know, things will be ok,” Added Rick.
With both the Town Hall and school across the street, Buxton’s has been a focal point for the town, selling household goods and sandwiches.
Rick, Andy’s dad, says he’ll miss watching elementary school kids run and play across the way. “The kids across the street, they would pop in, my grandchildren. I mean, I will still see them but I would see them early in the morning,” he said.
The Buxtons, who lived in the same building as the store for years and are now next door, say the change will be a major adjustment. “What happens if it’s a Friday night and I need an onion? I’m going to have to go to Fair Haven or to Brandon or to Rutland. It’s going to be a huge adjustment period,” Andy said.
While the store is shutting its doors, Buxton’s isn’t gone just yet. There’s a potential plan to sell the building to a nonprofit and turn the location into a community center. But that plan still needs funding and approval by the town.