Wanted: Hardware All Stars for the class of 2022
Some stores are born All Stars. Some stores achieve All-Star status. Still others have All-Star status thrust upon them.
There are many ways to become an All Star. Consider the following honorees from the 2021 class of STIHL Hardware All Stars:
•Oregon: Bandon Supply
Visits to construction sites as a small child inspired Tom Stadelman to start a hardware business—Bandon Supply—from scratch more than 20 years ago. Today, Bandon Supply’s Outdoor Living and Rental Center encompasses a rental store, feed store, garden center and service department all under one roof. “We understand that while we can’t necessarily have all people’s business, we’re grateful for what we have,” Stadelman said.
• Pennsylvania: Busy Beaver Building Centers
Since a local ownership group took over the Busy Beaver brand in 2013, the business has lived up to its name, opening home centers — and serving communities — with a remarkable industriousness. With stores in western Pennsylvania, northern West Virginia and eastern Ohio, the company’s 25th location opens September in a 55,000-sq.-ft. former AMC Theatre in Delmont, Pa.. CEO Joe Kallen emphasizes “friendly, expert help” for every shopper.
• Rhode Island: Mt. Pleasant Hardware
Not your basic hardware store, Mount Pleasant Hardware in Providence, R.I. offers window and screen repairs, glass cuts, pipe threading, and is the solution for all basic home repair, electrical, and plumbing for the community. In addition to products and services, Mount Pleasant is a PPG Paint store, and offers convenient U-Haul rentals—especially for college students moving to and from Providence.
• South Carolina: Landrum Hardware
Landrum Hardware in Landrum, S.C., is a full-service location providing electrical, plumbing, hardware, tools, lawn and garden, housewares, and farm supplies. Owners Shawn and Susan Evans are the third family to own and operate the business, starting in 2013. In 2018 the business moved to a new 15,000-square-foot facility. “Customer service focus is the key to all of it,” says Shawn Evans. “We make sure we have the store stocked with what people need, and the people to help them find it.”
For the past 11 years HBSDealer has searched for cream-of-the-crop hardware and building supply dealers —one store from each of the 50 United States — for recognition in the annual Hardware All Star issue.
What makes a hardware store an All Star? Any or all of the following:
• Innovation in operations, marketing, merchandising;
• High performance, expansion, success or sales growth;
• Customer focus; community centricity and a commitment to the traditions of the hardware and building supply industry.
Single-store retailers are as welcome as multi-state regional players. (Note, honorees need not be STIHL dealers to be recognized for the award.)
Send your All Star suggestions to [email protected] by April 7.