Ballston Spa will say goodbye to a Front Street institution this March when Fisher’s Variety closes its doors.

Owner Joseph Carter, 42, said after eight years at the “five and dime-type” general store, it’s time to cut his losses and move on.

“You name it, we tried to carry it, but the business has been poor since Ocean State Job Lot opened a couple years ago on Doubleday Avenue,” he said.

Citing the competition and limited street parking that hassles customers, Carter said he will liquidate the 4,000-square-foot space he rents from Sean O’Brien, of O’Brien’s Pharmacy.

“The regular customers are sad to see the store go,” Carter said.

He plans to open a hardware store on Broadway in Schenectady this winter.

Check out this week's issue of Ballston Spa Life for the full story by Ann Hauprich.