Daniel Jordan 
(CLAIR | Simi Valley, CA) — After Nearly 50 Years, Simi Hardware & Rock Depot Closes — Community Says Goodbye to a Local Institution
Simi Hardware & Rock Depot, one of Simi Valley’s last independent hardware stores, closed its doors on March 28, 2025. For many residents, it wasn’t just a store — it was a part of their lives.
The family-run business started in 1975 when Dave and Charlotte Rives opened a small shop called Discount Home Center. It later became True Value Home Center and, in 2019, broke off as an independent store under the name Simi Hardware & Rock Depot. Even after the founders passed away, their daughter Cindy and granddaughter Christina carried on the family legacy. They ran the business together until its final day.
More Than Just Hardware
The store became known for its unmatched selection of nuts, bolts, fasteners, and specialty hardware. It catered to both experienced builders and weekend DIYers. The bolt bins weren’t pre-bagged or shrink-wrapped. You could pick up a single nut, test the fit on a bolt, and buy only what you needed.
“You can find anything you need here — from landscaping materials to fasteners and tools,” one Yelp reviewer wrote. “It’s nice to have an old-school hardware store to rely on.”
The store’s rock and landscaping yard also drew in customers looking to replace lawns with drought-friendly alternatives. “Stan helped us choose rocks for our yard,” one customer shared. “He explained everything — the weed stopper, the borders. Great customer service is rare these days.”
For another local customer, the appeal was simple: “This is where you go when the big box stores don’t have what you need. They always did.”
A True Community Anchor
Simi Hardware was deeply involved in the local community. The store sponsored charity events like the annual Wag ‘n Walk fundraiser for Animal Rescue Volunteers and Cowboys and Cabernet, a Kiwanis benefit that supports student leadership and scholarships. They also backed Girl Scout Gold Award and Boy Scout Eagle Scout projects and were proud partners of Royal High School Athletics.
That deep local connection is one reason so many residents felt the closing personally. “This makes me super sad,” one shopper posted online. “It was my go-to spot. They always helped me figure out what I needed.”
Challenges Facing Small Businesses
Simi Hardware’s closure reflects a broader trend affecting small, independent retailers. In an era dominated by big box stores and online shopping, local hardware stores face rising costs, supply chain pressures, and shrinking margins. Personalized service and expertise are harder to monetize when speed and convenience often take priority.
But as many customers point out, big chains don’t always carry what you need. One customer recounted a time a Home Depot employee referred him to Simi Hardware for specialty hardware they didn’t carry. Another said, “I’ve probably bought 50 bags of lava rock here. It’s where you go when you’re serious about building something.”
A Place to Think and Tinker
Many customers appreciated not just the inventory, but the freedom to figure things out for themselves. “You could pick up and handle each piece,” one customer said. “It’s a true hands-on place — no pre-bagged nonsense.”
Others enjoyed talking through their projects with the staff. “Sam and Stan were amazing for DIY advice,” someone wrote. “Super customer care. It felt like they actually wanted to help.”
Even first-timers felt welcomed. “From the outside, it looks small. But inside, it has everything,” one customer said. “Everything is labeled, and prices are clear. It was my first time replacing a lawn, and they made it easy.”
The End of an Era
On their final day, the owners invited customers to stop by for refreshments and one last goodbye. Many did, and they didn’t just say thanks — they shared stories.
Simi Hardware wasn’t just a business. It was a part of Simi Valley’s fabric. It’s where people went when they needed help, advice, or just a few screws. It was the kind of place where the owner might carry your bags to the car or help you brainstorm a fix for your fence.
With the doors now closed, many in the community are left wondering where to go next. But one thing is clear — the impact of Simi Hardware & Rock Depot won’t be forgotten anytime soon.
