Two Norwich stores that specialize in selling merchandise from manufacturer and retailer close-outs are having a close-out sale of their own.

Surplus Unlimited and Surplus Office Furniture will be leaving their current West Main Street locations in the Willow Tree Plaza on Nov. 20, and moving to new spots just a few doors down. The moves will make way for a new retailer at the current Surplus Unlimited site.

Business owners Michael and Susan Matera say a Realtor representing a national retailer, who they are declining to identify right now, approached them last December, saying its client was looking for some 16,000 square feet of space. Michael Matera said at first the answer was no, as the space wasn’t available.

However, he then thought “the new retailer would be a perfect fit for the shopping center, and a great opportunity.” So, the plan for the dual store moves was launched.

Surplus Unlimited will be moving into the space currently occupied by Surplus Office Furniture in the Willow Plaza, with the furniture store moving into an empty space in the adjacent Legare Commons Center, next to Concentra Urgent Care.

The Materas own both shopping centers. They expect the moves to be completed in time for the Christmas holidays.

Surplus Unlimited will be downsizing its inventory, as it will be moving from a 10,000-square-foot location to a spot with 4,000 square feet. Michael Matera says, though, the business will be taking advantage of 17,000 square feet of downstairs warehouse space in its new location.

“We won’t be carrying some items any longer — things you can get at the nearby Dollar General or Walgreen’s,” said Matera. “We will be expanding some areas, including electronic accessories, such as TV mounts, cables, and cellphone-related items. Fishing items, seasonal merchandise, and party goods will also be emphasized.”

Matera says the revamped inventory will generally not conflict with what the new retailer will offer.

The Materas want to reassure customers the “Cowboy” will stay right where it is. The more than 20-foot-tall figurine, wearing blue jeans, cowboy hat, and — in recognition of the current pandemic, a facemask — has been in front of the Surplus Unlimited building since 1988. Susan Matera says the new retailer has agreed to let him stay.

“He’s an icon,” she said. “Everyone’s been freaking out that he’s leaving. He’s a part of Norwich. Everyone likes him.”

Surplus Unlimited opened for business in 1981 on Laurel Hill, moving to its current location five years later. The Materas credit the business’ success and its loyal customers to the hard work of their father Joseph, who at age 77 still visits the store daily. “I come in for about an hour each day, tell them what to do, then I go home,” he joked. Joseph Matera sold close-out merchandise and liquidated stock from the former Capehart electronics factory in Greeneville during the 1970s. He opened Surplus Unlimited when he lost his job there, and was “ahead of the curve,” said Michael, in selling close-out merchandise at inexpensive prices.

“His reputation always stands strong,” said Susan. “He has always been a very giving person to charities. We still stay in business, despite the big box stores, because we have good customer service.”

The Materas also thank their employees, some of whom have been with them for about 35 years.

“Our office manager has been here since 1982,” said Michael.

“Our employees stay because it’s a great family business. They’re really helpful,” said Susan. She adds they’ve been a big help with the upcoming move.

Across-the-board price reductions are currently being offered on nearly all merchandise in both stores, as the stock is liquidated. The amount of the reduction will increase as the Nov. 20 closing date approaches, but Michael urges customers to shop now for best selection.

“If you’re looking for something specific, better come in now,” he said.

Susan admits she has mixed feelings about the move.

“It’s exciting, but it will be very odd not walking through those doors. It’ll be a little different for a while, but it’s all good.”

Michael says the public will like the new retailer that’s moving in.

“It has more than 1,000 locations nationwide, adding some 300 annually,” he said.

“It will complement the existing businesses in the shopping plazas. We care about our tenants. We want to make sure they thrive. The new retailer will be a fantastic addition.”

Kevin Gorden lives in Norwich.

Taking Care of Business is a regular feature in The Times. To contribute, email times@theday.com.