Ben Franklin store closing its doors

Ben Franklin Crafts and Custom Framing, which has been a part of the Tilton-Franklin Community since 1982, will be permanently closing. A total liquidation sale is now in progress and will continue until everything is sold — merchandise and store fixtures.

The family owned business was founded by Gordon Bult Jr., who re-located to New Hampshire from New Jersey after having worked for the F.W. Woolworth Co. for 23 years.

First opening the craft store in Tilton, the family went on to open in 1989 a Ben Franklin and a Custom Picture Frame Shop in Hooksett, and another store in North Hampton. The Hooksett Ben Franklin was the first of the family's stores to close because of declining business, but still operating is the family's Alpha-Omega Custom Picture Framing store.

"It has been a great experience for our family," Gult said. "It's been a family business with my wife and four boys all working in the stores during different times of their lives."

Gult acknowledged that the decision to close was tough, but necessary. "We want to thank our employees — past and present, and most of all our valued customers," he said. "There has been nothing except disappointment expressed by our customers."