Hardware Store All-Stars: Miss., La. and Ark.

The times they are a'changing, and the best of them have rolled with the punches and provided a model for the rest of the industry to follow.

HCN's fourth annual list of Hardware Store All-Stars recognizes hardware stores for their ability to embrace modern technology, expand to meet growing demand and find ways to connect with younger consumers.

HCN Daily will profile the honorees, moving across the map of the United States from East to West -- continuing this week with Mississippi, Louisiana and Arkansas.

Mississippi: Huntington Lumber's new third-generation owners came in at a pivotal time for the business. The store had just consolidated into a single location, and brothers John and David Huntington decided to make room for growth. An additional 12,000 sq. ft. and 24,000 SKUs later, the brothers have an All-Star destination that's also female-friendly.

Louisiana: Recent winner of Ville Platte's outstanding business award, Vidrine's Ace Hardware is a community stalwart. When he isn't coaching the high school baseball team (sometimes to state championship level), owner Cody Vidrine does things like nab the runner-up title for outstanding Business Person of the Year.

Arkansas: Fourth-generation retailer Gentry Hipp is the harbinger of a new era for Hipp Modern Builders Supply, working the channels of social media to maximize marketing and market share. You can even watch the 2014 HCN Tools of the Trade honoree in action through the store's all-hours webcam.

For the full print issue feature and state-by-state list of HCN Hardware Store All-Stars, click here for the September digital edition.