All Star Review: Kan., Ky. And La.
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.
KANSAS
• Woods Lumber
Founded in 1889, fifth generation owner of this Do it Best dealer in Independence Mark Woods has implemented a new store design and merchandising programs to offer a greater variety of products. He said they, “work relentlessly to grow their business – always seeking to improve the customer experience.” Making houses into homes is their specialty, so Woods continually expands its large fleet of rental equipment – and is preparing an already active sixth generation to take over.
KENTUCKY
• Jeffries Hardware and Wholesale Electric
As the name implies, Jeffries’ 5,000 square foot hardware store upstairs is complemented by an equally-sized wholesale electrical department downstairs. The staff can talk electrical codes, panel boards, and breakers and they give expert advice on new home layouts and remodeling projects. When Chris Lewis took over his dad’s store, he worked to similarly enhance his plumbing department by seeking the advice of a local pro. As a result, he added 1,000 feet of pipe and fittings to plumb a house, leading to a 300% growth in the category in the next four years.
LOUISIANA
• Abita Lumber
Described as “a builder’s dream, with a comprehensive selection of lumber and building materials and door, truss, and metal roofing plants,” this one-stop-shop sits within New Orleans’s popular Northshore. They’re a Circle of Excellence dealer for Andersen windows and doors. Their retail store boasts an endless selection of hardware and fasteners, and they are an independent STIHL dealer with MasterWrench Service certification techs. Catering to the area’s robust food culture, Abita has an extensive display of cooking equipment featuring Bayou outdoor cookers.
# # #
Have you seen all-star retail performance? Let us know at [email protected].
