Small businesses are at the heart of our communities. The Open for Business series is our effort to document the struggles of our local merchants in these unprecedented times, and to highlight their resourcefulness, resilience and creativity.

Haworth Hardware has been a staple in town since 1957, when Robert Sconfienza’s father, Fred, opened his first store a few doors down from its current location on St. Nicholas Avenue.

Since late last year, Sconfienza has been winding down business as he nears retirement. The coronavirus has slowed his efforts to sell off inventory, but at the same time highlighted how central his shop is to the community.

“I have customers who come down every couple of days, who just come down to talk. They tell me how they are, I tell them how I am. We talk about their kids, we talk about their families,” Sconfienza said. “And it’s actually better now, because some people are cooped in their homes, and it’s just a relief.”

He is glad to be still open Friday through Sunday, until his doors close for good.

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How has this experience been for you?

For me, it really hasn’t changed. Like I say, I still do what I do. If you were familiar with the store, you would know what I am saying. I have a very loyal following of customers. And the reason that they keep coming back is because they can get the information they need, they can get the knowledge that they need and, very simply, somebody is not trying to push something on them that they don’t need to buy.

What has the community been like?

Most of them after they talk to me are a lot calmer than when they first came in, like when the [coronavirus crisis] first started. They said "Bob, what are you are going to do?" I said, "Nothing. I’m going to get up in the morning, I’m going to eat my breakfast, and I’m going to come up here." I said that’s what I’m going to do.

How are you coping? What changes have you made?

I really haven’t changed much of anything other than the fact that … periodically, after a customer leaves, I’ll spray the counter. If a customer comes in right away, I’ll just wipe it down. And if not, I’ll just let the stuff sit on there for a bit, then wipe it off. Other than that, I really don’t do anything.

What’s your biggest concern for your business?

My concern really isn’t about the business at this time, it’s about the people I know. I just hope they’re all safe. I hope that they all have safe practices. Like I say, it’s like a family, it’s not like they’re just customers. I don’t worry about business; business will take care of itself. People are the most important thing in this world.

What can the public do to help?

Very simply, when you need something or if you need help, pick up the phone. If you need help, come on down. As far as helping, there’s not much else people can do. Right now, at this point, I’m just reducing the inventory now because I am getting ready to retire. The business is the secondary thing. Just everybody needs to stay safe.

Ricardo Kaulessar is a local reporter for NorthJersey.com. For unlimited access to the most important news from your local community, please subscribe or activate your digital account today.

Email: kaulessar@northjersey.com Twitter: @ricardokaul