Image: Mike Vanden Bosch / Pattison Media / Al's Supply House, a longtime specialty hardware store at 45732 Yale Road in Chilliwack, is set to close after 45 years in operation. The store will be closing in May and selling the building. 

By Mike Vanden Bosch

Al's Supply House in Chilliwack

Longtime specialty hardware store in Chilliwack set to close

Apr 17, 2024 | 8:49 AM

CHILLIWACK — Al’s Supply House north of the highway was synonymous with welding and industrial supplies, helium tanks, a prime location on Yale Road, and a sign beckoning to northbound patrons.

But the longtime specialty hardware store at 45732 Yale Road in Chilliwack is set to close after 45 years in operation, according to that same sign that once advertised inventory and other sales.

“Closing time at Al’s Supply,” a sign in bold letters blared Tuesday afternoon (Apr. 16). “Thank you, Chilliwack, for 45 amazing years.”

A staff member affiliated with the store posted on Facebook that Al’s Supply House would close at the end of May.

“Well, it’s official. Al’s Supply House in Chilliwack is closing on May 31, 2024,” said Noah Wylie on Facebook. “I have worked there for over 17 years. Al’s Supply has been open for 45 years. I will miss all of the staff who have worked there over the years, plus their families. I will also miss some of the hundreds of loyal customers who have come into the store, not just to buy something but to visit and catch up.”

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Speaking for himself, Wylie attributed the closure to shutdowns during the COVID-19 pandemic. Many of the store’s suppliers along the supply chain shut down for various reasons during the pandemic, only to reopen about a year later and double the prices they charge retailers, he said.

“When some suppliers opened up again, they doubled their prices,” Wylie said. “We have tried to stay open and ‘make it’ for a couple of years, but just not making enough money.”

As a result, Al’s Supply House will be selling all store inventory at clearance prices, resulting in the imminent closure of the business and then selling the business, Wylie said.

A sign indicating the business is for sale now appears on the premises, with Chilliwack realtor Bryan Van Hoepen’s name attached.

“It will be a sad day for all of us at Al’s Supply,” Wylie said. “But it will also be a sad day for Chilliwack. Thank you to all families, friends and customers. From Noah Craig Wylie and the whole gang at Al’s Supply House.”

Image: Noah Wylie via Facebook / A farewell message from Noah Wylie on Facebook.