By Amber Jurgensen | Associate Editor
It’s been more than 75 years since Ben Knotts left North Carolina with nothing and started an iconic business on Collins Street in Historic Downtown Plant City, Knotts Hardware.
Originally called Knotts Trading and Supply, the store, which opened its doors in the 1930s, will be closing its doors Oct. 12.
“My grandfather helped develop this city,” the current third-generation owner, Johnny Knotts, said. “I feel like he helped a lot of people go into business in this town. We were there not only to sell goods and products but (also) to help our customers.”
Ben Knotts came to Plant City more than a half-century ago to work for his cousin, who owned a general store. He saved up to buy the property on which Knotts Hardware sits today. The store was one of the first in the area to hire African American employees. To this day, Knotts Hardware still has in-house accounts, which has helped the business stay successful.
Ben Knotts passed the store onto his his son, Billy. Johnny Knotts has played a role in the shop since 1987. His brother, Andy, also has been involved in the store.
“I know I can speak for my grandpa and dad just how appreciative we have been for our loyal customers,” he said. “This store has given us a good life.”
Knotts Hardware, which had been a thriving business in the past, recently took a hit, like many other small businesses, during the recession. The lack of construction in Plant City during that time contributed to decreased sales.
“We’re not a home-improvement center; we were geared toward the building industry,” Johnny Knotts said.
After Fishhawk and Lithia began to develop, customers from those surrounding areas began shopping at stores closer to home. Even in Plant City, there was shift in city dynamics when more shopping became available off of James L. Redman Parkway, taking the focus away from the historic downtown, which was once booming.
The clearing of other business in downtown to make way for the Midtown project also contributed to the changes in downtown.
“I’m not blaming the city, because the intention of the Midtown project was very good,” Johnny Knotts said. “But it got caught up in the economy and hurt Knotts Hardware.”
Johnny Knotts hopes the closing of his store will rally support for other small businesses in the area.
“I want people to be conscious and aware just how hard it is and how much work goes into small and family owned businesses,” he said. “If me closing down will help 10 other businesses stay open, then I’m happy.
“For me personally, this has been the hardest thing I’ve ever gone through,” he said.
Johnny Knotts, a bicyclist, traveler and animal-lover who encourages people to adopt a pet, doesn’t know what’s next for him. He currently works part-time as the head pit official for the American Le Man Series.
“Who knows? I might end up full-time in racing, or there might be another opportunity in Plant City,” Johnny Knotts said. “Time will tell.”
Contact Amber Jurgensen at ajurgensen@plantcityobserver.com.