It’s just something in the air — from the tires and the candy, to be exact.

William Brierly, 37, of Cambridge, said it’s the “unique smell’’ of his local Benny’s that he will miss the most after the chain closes its 31 stores.

He felt so strongly about his favorite haunt shutting down that he launched a campaign on Change.org on Sept. 12: “Amazon Should Buy Benny’s,’’ it says, citing Amazon’s recent acquisition of Whole Foods Market Inc.

This month, Benny’s announced that it would close all of its stores — they are in Southeastern Massachusetts, Rhode Island and Connecticut — and lay off 715 employees. The 12 Massachusetts locations include Fall River, Raynham, North Attleborough, Plymouth, and Mansfield.

The irony: The Bromberg family, which has owned the chain since 1924, said the decision to close was “strongly influenced by the changing face of retailing today­ and the dominance of online retailers like Amazon and others.’’

Brierly’s petition currently has about 4,500 signatures.

The comments section is overflowing with love letters for the mom-and-pop stores, describing the chain as a “cultural icon,’’ a “symbol of America,’’ and an “irreplaceable’’ institution.

Over time, many said, Benny’s became their destination for random purchases.

“I’m signing because Benny’s is my go-to when I can’t find what I am looking for, and my paper plate store,’’ one wrote.

“Baby toy, mouse traps, and electric mixer,’’ one commented. “It’s all there! Help them before [it’s] too late. Amazon is great and I shop there too. But when you need something that minute, it’s ­Benny’s!!’’

For many regulars, part of the charm is Benny’s everything-but-the-kitchen sink inventory, which seems to defy retail logic. The stores, for instance, ­carry an array of the latest wireless gadgets — but there might be a display nearby of old-fashioned hard candies, the kind Grandma used to put out during the holidays. Air conditioners share space with tree-shaped auto air fresheners, and the bug spray is a few steps from the bicycles. You can get hand warmers and scrub sponges (six for $1 on sale!) along with playing cards and wristwatches — all at the checkout counter.

Some petition signers took to calling on Amazon’s chief executive in their effort to save Benny’s.

“Jeff Bezos, you’ll have 715 employees who will be grateful, and ready to roll up their sleeves and help you adapt your new locations,’’ one wrote.

Another added: “I think it is a good idea for Amazon to purchase Benny’s so more people do not lose their jobs . . . With their success there has to be some responsibility.’’

For Brierly, Benny’s has been his lifelong stop for everything­ from his first video game to his first oil change. He and his girlfriend (now wife) even bought each other matching Crock-Pots there.

“It’s like how in a library without a purpose, you let the book find you,’’ he said. “You can do that in Benny’s, too. You can get the vacuum cleaner bags you didn’t know you needed.’’

Brierly said that as Boston courts Amazon to locate its second headquarters here it may be a good time to urge it to expand its footprint in other ways.

“Everyone could keep their jobs. My goal is to put the idea out there and see if it’s something that resonates with Amazon,’’ Brierly said. “It’s also just nice to share stories and show the owners that, hey, they really made something special.’’

Neither Amazon nor Benny’s had any comment.

Mark Pothier of the Globe staff contributed to this report. Natasha Mascarenhas can be reached at natasha. mascarenhas@globe.com. Follow her on Twitter @nmasc_.