Wallingford Stoneway Hardware closing after 34 years

The Wallingford Stoneway Hardware location (4318 Stone Way N) will be closing up shop in January after 34 years in Wallingford.

Owner Rory Rutledge shared the news on social media earlier this month, saying that he feels ready to retire. Rutledge and co-owner Ken Bartlett opened the Wallingford Stoneway in 1987; the Ballard store at 4910 15th Ave NW is a much younger operation; it opened in 2010.

Bartlett passed away in Nov. 2020, leaving the store to Rutledge. “After 34 years of operation, I feel that it is now time for me to retire,” Rutledge shared. “I am starting my retirement with the closing of the Wallingford store. I will miss the many friends and relationships that I have made.”

Wallyhood reports that Wallingford store manager Jerry Smith will be moving to the Ballard store after the closure, along with several employees.

As part of the Wallingford store closing, Stoneway is now selling its inventory at a 25% discount. The store will close on Jan. 31, 2022, or when inventory is sold off.

“We had a good run,” Rutledge said. “THANK YOU to all of our customers.”