Nov. 4, 2002 – After months of rumors that Island Block would go out of business, the store finally closed its doors. On Thursday, the gate was closed and the door was locked.
Manager Harry Bowman, reached a month earlier at the store, had declined to comment on reports of the pending closing. Another staff member, reached Friday, also declined comment.
A resident close to the situation blamed the closing on a downturn in St. Thomas construction.
One St. John construction worker recalled the old days at Island Block when he gave his order at the counter and the staff searched around on the shelves to find the correct part. Those days were long gone, with the business adopting self service like most other stores.
"They had a good selection, but the prices weren't good," the construction worker said. He said he had seldom taken his business there lately because for him other stores fill the bill.
Publisher's note : Like the St. Thomas Source now? Find out how you can love us twice as much — and show your support for the islands' free and independent news voice … click here.
