Iconic Record Store, Sears Closing In Howell Soon

HOWELL, NJ — Two businesses are winding up their final days in Howell, with The Record Store closing this weekend, and Sears at Howell Plaza shuttering in just over two weeks.

The Record Store, which has been a fixture in the community for 30 years, will have its final two days of business Saturday and Sunday, according to the store's Facebook page.

The shop announced its plans to close in mid-December, as the owner, Jeff Laga, decided it was time to pursue the next chapter in his life: "He has been involved with the music business now for over 45 years. The Record Store did start out as a record store in Howell, 30 years ago. He has seen many ups as well as many downs but he has stuck with it all this time. However, in the last few years he has found his enthusiasm waning and more importantly, his heart has just not been in the business anymore."

The hours at the store, 6799 Route 9 North, are 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. on Saturday, Feb. 2, and 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Sunday, Feb. 3. There is a storewide sale on vinyl albums, CDs, most comic books and toys. Full details on the sale are on the shop's Facebook page.

For those looking for bargains at Sears Appliance and Hardware in the Howell Plaza, that store is winding down and will close Feb. 18.

A store employee posted in the Howell Happenings NJ group there are discounts of 40 percent or more on a number of tools and appliances at the store. Tractor and mower attachments, lawn and garden items, cleaning supplies and more all are available at discounted prices.

The store is no longer listed on any of the Sears websites. The retailer has been closing down its stores across the country as it struggled to stay afloat. The Illinois-based chain filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy in October, announcing the closure of 142 unprofitable locations. The 142 stores slated for closure when Sears filed for bankruptcy aren't the only Sears/Kmart locations the company is shuttering. At least 46 locations were already set to close by the end of November.

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