Customers line up for final day of business at New Albany craft store

LOUISVILLE, Ky. (WDRB) -- Hundreds of customers lined up outside a southern Indiana craft store closing its doors after more than 30 years.

HAPPENING NOW: more than 300 people in line for the final going out of business sale at Ben Franklin Crafts in New Albany. @WDRBNews pic.twitter.com/fBUmbZi77l
— Joel Schipper (@JSchipperWDRB) August 31, 2022

More than 500 people were waiting in line at Ben Franklin Crafts and Framing in New Albany when the doors opened at 9 A.M. Wednesday to take advantage of some good deals. The final liquidation included everything in the store as well as shelves and fixtures. Everything is 20% - 70% off.

BEN FRANKLINS LAST DAY - 8-31-2022 1.jpg — Hundreds of customers streamed through the doors of Ben Franklin Crafts in New Albany, Indiana for their final day in business. Aug. 31, 2022. (WDRB Photo)

"I think it’s wonderful. I am so happy to see such a good turnout for the smiths. It is sad that it’s closing down but it’s great that they’ve had such a great turnout," said Holly Crawford who has been a longtime customer.

The Smith family, who is originally from Milan, Indiana, moved to New Albany to open the store in New Albany Plaza in 1990. The store is currently independently owned by the third generation of the family. They said it was the end of a family tradition.

BEN FRANKLINS LAST DAY - 8-31-2022 4.jpg — Hundreds of customers streamed through the doors of Ben Franklin Crafts in New Albany, Indiana for their final day in business. Aug. 31, 2022. (WDRB Photo)

"I am just completely blown away. I had no idea of this kind of a turn out - just blown away," said co-owner Dane Smith. "It’s been difficult. My wife’s been pretty steady through this. We got here this morning and she took one look out the window and she cried like a baby."