All Star Review: Ark., Calif., Colo.
It takes a little more to be an All Star.
To provide the best customer service; fit perfectly with your community; find the niche categories for your locals; and have the people and personalities to create that certain something extra.
This year’s class of STIHL Hardware All Stars marks the 14th year of the program, in which editors recognize one business from each of the 50 states.
We visited with, and talked to, stores and dealer markets, distributors and suppliers, even studied customer reviews on social media to help determine the honorees. And that’s how we found our latest elite-level hardware and building supply dealers.
Here’s more on the criteria:
• Innovation in operations, marketing or merchandising;
• High performance, exhibited through expansion, success or sales growth;
• Customer focus, community centricity and a commitment to the traditions of the hardware and building supply industry.
The selection process is tough – because there are so many terrific hardware stores across the nation.
Here's the latest installment of our All Star reviews:
• Arkansas
Whit Davis Lumber Plus in Jacksonville
Establishing itself as a one-stop shop and go-to destination for home improvement and building materials around Greater Little Rock, they live by their motto “The plus is service.” Specializing in garage door installation, zero-mess insulation, and more, Whit Davis is driven to go above and beyond for their customers through a never-ending pursuit of excellence. They encourage customers to call ahead so the Whit Davis team has all the right products needed for any project and they can avoid unnecessary trips.
• California
Los Altos True Value
Emerson Oliva is the hardware store manager at this independently owned and operated store that serves Los Altos and the surrounding San Francisco Bay Area communities. “We’re seeing trends with a lot of people doing their own DIY projects, from trellises and gardening to painting and now getting into more plumbing on their own, which is fun to see,” said the manager. The store sits on a quiet, sunny street, and the double front doors are always propped open, like open arms so welcoming, like a true All Star.
• Colorado
Circle Ace
Darek Barnes is the owner of this hardware store in Colorado Springs. “We offer the best in the garden, power tools; DIY tools and hardware; and outdoor equipment like snow blowers, propane refills, and more,” he said. A customer wrote: “My first visit to this Ace Hardware location – and I’m hooked. The store is well lit, neat and clean. The aisles are clear and reasonably wide. The store clerks are available and helpful. Found everything I needed, plus two holiday gifts. Great stop for the morning.”
