Longstanding family-owned Chilliwack business to close its smaller hardware store
Published 9:58 am Saturday, May 30, 2026
A locally-owned company that has been in Chilliwack for 80 years will be consolidating two of its stores, resulting in the closure of its smaller location.
Fortin’s Home Hardware made the announcement on May 25 that it’s closing its Vedder Road store – which has been in operation for 25 years – at the end of 2026.
Their larger location on Airport Road will remain open.
“Our family has deep roots in Chilliwack, and this decision was not made lightly,” said Jeff Fortin.
The company says the decision reflects the changing nature of retail and the need to consolidate operations into one location better equipped to serve customers long-term.
“Retail has changed significantly with the rise of e-commerce,” said Sean Fortin. “Airport Road gives us the space and infrastructure to continue growing our inventory, delivery services, and wholesale capabilities while continuing to serve our community for the years to come.”
The Airport Road store offers expanded warehouse capacity, delivery services, and a broader range of hardware, industrial, automotive, janitorial, and paint products.
Fortin’s was founded in Chilliwack in 1946 by the Fortin family as an automotive and tools business. Over the decades, the company has grown alongside the community while remaining family owned and operated.
“Vedder Home Hardware has been an important part of our story for the past 25 years, and we are incredibly grateful to the staff, customers, and community members who have supported us along the way,” Jeff added.
The Vedder Home Hardware opened in 2001, reflecting the Fortin family’s longstanding interest in expanding beyond automotive supply into hardware and home improvement, they said.
In 2014, Home Hardware products and branding were added to the Airport Road location alongside a major warehouse expansion.
The family also owns two Fortin’s Supply locations outside Chilliwack, one in Abbotsford and one in Hope.
Additional information regarding the transition will be shared with customers and staff over the coming months.