Hardware All Stars: Maine & Rhode Island

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The retail sector is no stranger to change and upheaval, but the qualities that elevate stores to All-Star status are often timeless in nature.

This year's Hardware All Star selection (sponsored by Epicor) represented some of the country's best product knowledge, customer service, and community involvement, as well as some of the best stories and idiosyncracies.

The April issue of Hardware + Building Supply Dealer magazine contains the full list of 2015 honorees. Here are highlights from the class of 2015, continuing today with Maine and Rhode Island.

Caribou, Maine: S.W. Collins Co.

HBSDealer's 2014 Indepedendent Pro Dealer of the Year has a new design center, custom-millwork operation, and windows and doors business under its wing.

Though it's been around since 1844, this lumberyard company is still making big moves: It just opened up a new facility in Lincoln, featuring a 25,000-sq.-ft. drive-through lumberyard, an 18,000-sq.-ft. store and millwork warehouse.

For fifth-generation president Sam Collins, it all boils down to the culture S.W. Collins has created.

Cranston, Rhode Island: Durfee True Value Hardware

As Durfee True Value Hardware enters its fourth generation of ownership, the store is going back to the 1930s -- at least in style. Wood wainscoting and drop-tin ceilings are part of a major refresh.

"We're every bit as modern as any other hardware store," said third-generation owner Paul Durfee. "We're just going back to our original look."