"I'm extremely satisfied, extremely happy; it works out for the best," said Haji Najmabadi, owner of Haji's Hardware and House of Persian Imports, as neighbors perused what's left of his eclectic inventory. "I've had over 50 years, that's good enough."
After more than half a century at 1170 Sutter St., Najmabadi is retiring, and his eclectic hardware and antiques store is closing for good once the shelves are cleared out—likely by mid-June.
Haji Najmabadi at his store.
Najmabadi is originally from Iran, and moved to the city to be with his wife, a San Franciscan. He opened the shop with a focus on Persian rugs, but when the fallout from the Iran crisis kept him from importing and exporting goods, he responded by expanding into hardware.
50 years ago, the neighborhood was "excellent, excellent, excellent" and quite prestigious, Najmabadi said. He vividly remembers seeing Bing Crosby saunter past one day, on his way to watch his own film at a nearby theater.
While Crosby didn't stop in, Najmabadi said some of his best clients were celebrities. Hollywood actress, musical performer and sex symbol Jane Russell regularly bought kaftans from Najmabadi. And Patty Hearst—best known for being kidnapped by the Symbionese Liberation Army, then robbing local banks with her captors—purchased rugs from Haji's, accompanied by her bodyguard.
Persian antiques.
Those who've grown accustomed to visiting Najmabadi are likely to still run into him in the neighborhood. While he lives in Sonoma, he plans to remain a member of the Elks Club on Post Street, where he swims three times a week.
To help clear the shelves, prices on everything in the store—including Persian antiques—have been slashed, and all of the fixtures are fair game as well. And all are encouraged to enter a drawing for a chance to win one of many prizes, including a flat-screen television, barbecue, coffee maker and other handy household products.
