As I've noted in some previous PADs, small retailers in the hardware sector have been driven out large extent by the "big box" retailers and their hardware mega stores; notably Bunnings.

However there isn't a lot of space for huge hardware stores in the inner city which probably allowed this one to stay around for longer than it might otherwise have. I imagine that the intention was to serve the new gentrified apartment blocks in the area, especially for those who have chosen to live without a car. (Which is rather fewer than the city planners might have imagined despite the proximity to public transport. Mind you, Pyrmont's public transport isn't the best in the business. But I digress.)

Unfortunately the business plan didn't work out, so after many years here (I believe that this store has been here at least since the 80s), the final curtain has been drawn. Consequently for the locals it's a trip to the suburban shopping centres to find a Bunnings when they want hardware.