Heartbreak as Mill Run store closes after 25 years, what could be next

COLUMBUS, Ohio (WCMH) — As changes ramp up at Mill Run shopping center, customers of one recently shuttered shop are expressing heartbreak after the retail chain abruptly announced it would end its two-and-a-half-decade run at the northwest marketplace.

In a recent Facebook post, Hilliard United Art and Education, formerly located at 3622 Fishinger Blvd. in Hilliard, confirmed the store's permanent closing on Oct. 4.

“We have appreciated your business for the past 25 years!” the post read. “We can still be your source for educational and art supplies at UnitedNow.com. Rest assured that gift cards never expire and can be used as payment on our website.”

Additionally, the company explained in the post's comments how its unexpected end came about.

“We're very sorry to have to go!” the comment stated. “Unfortunately, our landlord intends to open a new pickleball business at our location and informed us early last month that our lease would not be renewed. We did not have enough time to find a suitable location nearby.”

In the Nextdoor app, several community members voiced their opinions upon learning the news from a neighbor's post.

“Shame on the owner … for forcing the teacher store (United Arts and Education) to close!” the original post read. “What a great resource that supports education in our community! Note: They were given 30 days' notice to evacuate because the Landlord wants to start his own pickleball business there.”

The post garnered dozens of reactions and nearly 100 comments.

“My heart is literally breaking [because] of the closing of that store,” one person said.

“Sad, so, so sad,” another neighbor wrote. “We as a family went there often.”

Many people were concerned that local teachers would lose access to a valuable resource for materials.

“It was the only teacher store I knew of,” one comment read. “Let me know if you find another.”

“Are there any teacher stores left in Columbus?” echoed another person.

Other Nextdoor users hoped that the educational supply seller would relocate somewhere nearby.

“What a shame! I hope they can find another reasonably priced place,” offered one commenter.

“There are plenty of places they can relocate with a good leasing agent,” another person said.

Despite this optimism, the education chain's website suggests that there are no plans to reopen in central Ohio. The site's locations page displays the business's four stores, including Hilliard and Dayton, which are both marked as permanently closed. Two other Indiana storefronts in Fort Wayne and Mishawaka remain open.

Online, the company notes that it was founded in 1960 in Fort Wayne, Indiana.

“We are committed to serving schools, organizations and individuals with quality products, competitive prices and friendly customer service,” the company information page states. “Our goal is to make shopping fun for every customer, whether you're an art instructor, elementary teacher, school supply buyer, fine artist or parent.

Both Hilliard United Art and Education and the building owner were contacted for this story, but did not respond.