All Star Review: Mich., Minn., Miss.
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.
• MICHIGAN
Sanford Hardware
When two dam failures caused historic flooding in 2020, Sanford Hardware was destroyed by intense levels of water and mud. A 20-year staple in town, the store, and its inventory were completely wiped out, so the community rallied to help pick up the pieces. Owners Dennis and Kathy Sian hosted a flood salvage fundraiser, and cars lined up to support the family hardware store operating from a temporary location. In 2021, Sanford Hardware’s beautiful, new ground up store opened in its original location with generous donations from building products suppliers and local electricians.
• MINNESOTA
Jerry’s Do it Best Hardware
Starting as a single store more than 50 years ago, this hardware and rental has grown to five locations serving Minneapolis. Mike Rummel oversees all five stores with a focus on keeping a similar and consistent product mix in each store. But he encourages each store’s manager to make decisions that positively impact their store and uses analytics to make sure each store is well merchandised and easy to shop for the customer. Their goal has always remained the same: “To be the best hardware store in each of the communities that we serve.”
• MISSISSIPPI
Hometown Hardware in Flora
When Mark Rowe took ownership of this business 20 miles north of Jackson in 2019, he immediately revitalized the store to enhance the shopping experience. He upgraded to LED fixtures, added four new retail aisles, and remerchandised existing ones. Customers took notice – store sales tripled in the first four years. The 10,000 square foot retail space and lumberyard has an array of products from riding lawn mowers and STIHL outdoor power equipment, to pine straw and distinctive blends by a local honey producer. They also host fun Ladies’ Night classes and bi-weekly produce pickups for a local farm co-op.
Have you seen all-star retail performance? Let us know at [email protected].