Stars shine in Maine, Maryland and Massachusetts
It began as an idea to recognize an All Star hardware store in each of the 50 states. And now, the STIHL Hardware All Star class of 2019 marks the ninth year of the program.
And if there’s one thing we learned, it’s this: there are a lot of strong independent hardware stores in the United States. Here are three more – including the May issue cover model, Norfolk Hardware of Boston.
Maine Hardware
Portland, Me.
Maine Hardware
“Proudly local, fiercely independent and wicked helpful,” Maine Hardware welcomed a new president in 2019 (Rick Tucker) with a fresh perspective, having held management positions at L.L. Bean, Dick’s Sporting Goods and The Dish Network. Three years ago, the store launched a B2Business division that serves local businesses. Delivery is free, however the goodwill it engenders among merchants is priceless. Said manager John Ross, “[B2B> gets our name out there, and it helps people—mostly one- and two-person shops—grow their business. We have worked hard to carve out a niche for ourselves.”
Deale Hardware & Home Center
Deale, Md.
Deale Hardware & Home Center
Long-time residents and entrepreneurs Jim and Vicki Weaver identified a need for a home center (borne out of their own frustration of having to travel great distances for a part) and built what is today the go-to spot for folks in this small waterfront community where everyone knows your name. “Customers call it ‘our little mini Wal-Mart’—we try to have everything they might need so they don’t have to drive 30 minutes for it,” said Wendy, the office manager. The Weavers, who also operate Weaver Boat Works, a custom sport fishing yacht building company, recently added a marine center for boaters.
Norfolk Hardware & Home Center
Boston, Mass.
Norfolk Hardware
This 90-year-old Boston institution unveiled a total transformation in 2017, with brilliant results. The layout, flow and design of the 40,000 sq. ft. home center has engaged customers ever since. More than just a pretty building, the store continues to serve as a model of philanthropy in its community. Boston’s largest family owned hardware store supports Habitat for Humanity, homeless shelters, and historic property renovation, including the rehabilitation of the Fowler Clark Epstein Farm, one of the city’s oldest landmarks.
Click here to see the full class of 2019 all stars.
And if there’s one thing we learned, it’s this: there are a lot of strong independent hardware stores in the United States. Here are three more – including the May issue cover model, Norfolk Hardware of Boston.
Maine Hardware
Portland, Me.
Maine Hardware“Proudly local, fiercely independent and wicked helpful,” Maine Hardware welcomed a new president in 2019 (Rick Tucker) with a fresh perspective, having held management positions at L.L. Bean, Dick’s Sporting Goods and The Dish Network. Three years ago, the store launched a B2Business division that serves local businesses. Delivery is free, however the goodwill it engenders among merchants is priceless. Said manager John Ross, “[B2B> gets our name out there, and it helps people—mostly one- and two-person shops—grow their business. We have worked hard to carve out a niche for ourselves.”
Deale Hardware & Home Center
Deale, Md.
Deale Hardware & Home CenterLong-time residents and entrepreneurs Jim and Vicki Weaver identified a need for a home center (borne out of their own frustration of having to travel great distances for a part) and built what is today the go-to spot for folks in this small waterfront community where everyone knows your name. “Customers call it ‘our little mini Wal-Mart’—we try to have everything they might need so they don’t have to drive 30 minutes for it,” said Wendy, the office manager. The Weavers, who also operate Weaver Boat Works, a custom sport fishing yacht building company, recently added a marine center for boaters.
Norfolk Hardware & Home Center
Boston, Mass.
Norfolk HardwareThis 90-year-old Boston institution unveiled a total transformation in 2017, with brilliant results. The layout, flow and design of the 40,000 sq. ft. home center has engaged customers ever since. More than just a pretty building, the store continues to serve as a model of philanthropy in its community. Boston’s largest family owned hardware store supports Habitat for Humanity, homeless shelters, and historic property renovation, including the rehabilitation of the Fowler Clark Epstein Farm, one of the city’s oldest landmarks.
Click here to see the full class of 2019 all stars.