Siesta Key Hardware to close, Morton's set to move in

After more than four decades in operation, Siesta Key Hardware will close its doors for good at the end of July.

The owners of Morton’s Gourmet Market will expand their presence in Siesta Key Village, as Morton’s Siesta Market is set to move into the Siesta Hardware space Sept. 1.

Property owner Chris Brown exclusively offered the property to Morton’s after Siesta Key Hardware owners Jim and Patricia Hillier decided to retire.

“(The Mortons) seem to improve anything they touch,” Brown said.

Morton’s is working with an architect to finalize interior and exterior renovations of the building, but property owner Chris Brown imagines the facade will shed its red, blue and bright green colors to look more like the market.

Todd and Eddie Morton will not maintain the full hardware store, but Siesta Market will continue to carry some hardware products.

“I think that’s important to everybody out there that they are going to maintain some hardware products, some staples of life,” Brown said.

In a June 2 letter addressed to their “loyal customers,” Jim and Patricia Hillier offered a fond farewell to Siesta Hardware.

“It’s been a great journey and a privilege to serve our wonderful community,” the letter stated.

This article was amended at 11:22 a.m. June 13 to reflect the July 31 closing date. A previous version of this story incorrectly stated the date.