SE Snapshot
North Carolina
Longtime, small-town businesses: a casualty of COVID-19
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usinesses that have stood for decades — even more than a century, in some cases — have become some of the casualties of the COVID-19 pandemic, which has also taken hundreds of thousands of lives. One of those casualties is Harrell’s Department Store in downtown Burgaw, which is closing after 117 years in operation. “I sincerely regret to report that Harrell’s Department Store can be added to the list of pandemic casualties and is going out of business,” owner Vernon Harrell wrote on the store’s website. “These are the hardest words I have ever written. With 117 years of family history and tradition going away, I feel an incredible loss. Harrell’s Department Store has been very blessed by the support of the people in our town and in the larger community of southeastern North Carolina. To express our appreciation of this support, we contributed to generations of community groups and organizations, including youth sports, school drama and band programs, social programs, church functions, festivals and more.” “My greatest hope is that this will open a space and an opportunity for energetic and creative young people to bring new life and business to our town, continuing this legacy of mutual benefit to all of us,” he added. “Generations of the Harrell family would like to humbly thank the people of Burgaw, southeastern North Carolina and beyond. Thank you for 117 years of trust and good will.” Founded by Chauncey Harrell as C. Harrell and Sons in 1903, the business remains family owned and operated into the 21st century. Vernon and Herb Harrell are fourth generation proprietors. Harrell’s is just one of countless businesses throughout the United States and the entire world that have been devastated by the pandemic. USA Today stated, “Many of the casualties of this unprecedented disruption are famous and beloved companies that are closely associated with the communities they serve.” The newspaper went on to list such iconic companies as Apple, Macy’s, Barnes & Noble and other nationally-known corporations that have had to permanently close some locations due to the pandemic. With no end in sight to the COVID-19 crisis, it’s impossible to speculate how many more businesses may fade into history due to the virus. SE
Harrell’s Department Store in downtown Burgaw opened in 1903. It will close this year, due to COVID-19.
Harrell’s Department Store was a rarity in modern times — a small town, locally owned department store. These images are from the store’s website. 33
