All-Star Review: Vt, Va., Wash.
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.
• VERMONT
Sticks & Stuff
Kris Bullock and Jeff Lamphere, the owners, make sure associates are always ready to greet customers as they enter the store. They take pride in getting to know customers on a personal level outside of the store too. A saw blade with their logo on it is instantly recognizable across all of northern Vermont through TV ads, flyers and billboards. Initiatives supporting Round Up for Change and Martha’s Kitchen are showcased on their website blog, and they painted one of their trucks pink to support breast cancer awareness.
• VIRGINIA
Fairfax Ace Hardware
This store has achieved Stihl Elite dealer status and has two gold and two silver STIHL technicians on staff. They’ve received Ace’s Pinnacle achievement award and maintain platinum dealer status with Traeger and Big Green Egg. “We have been Ace Hardware’s top performing single e-commerce location nationally more than once,” said the owner. “I’m most proud of the store’s community engagement.” This includes $20,000 raised for Children’s National Hospital. The store became employee-owned when it was acquired by the A Few Cool Hardware Stores company in 2023.
• WASHINGTON
Co-Op Farm and Garden in Sequim
The store is sprawling, charming, cute and eclectic – all at the same time. They use Facebook a lot, often multiple times a day. They sell live plants. They sell tools and hardware. They sell lots of stuff. And they call their baby chickens cutie pies. It’s all posted online, along with snappy banter. Here’s a recent sample: “While we are on the subject of entertaining, look at these cute plates and a serving tray. There are two new gluten free snack options. These Zany Bites are plant based. We sampled them this morning. Wow! Big flavor!” This True Value is the epitome of an All Star.
Have you seen all-star retail performance? Let us know at news@hbsdealer.com.