All Star Review: W.Va., Wis., Wyo.
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.
The 2024 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.
WEST VIRGINIA
• Byrnside Hardware, Danville
Diversity has been a key to success for this independent STIHL dealer. Owner Fred Byrnside opened the store in 1979. The first big move was purchasing an existing Homelite/Gravely dealer, then adding STIHL. Fred next turned his attention to feed and seed. Logging crews, excavating crews, and mining reclamation crews soon were not only buying equipment and parts but also hardware and grass seeds for reclamation. The next move was to buy an adjacent furniture store. They continue to grow today.
WISCONSIN
• Bloomer Hardware
Just north of Eau Claire a store opened in 1938. Now and for the past 20 years, the Naas family’s community-first approach has served them well. They relocated the store to an old softball field in 2015 and added a greenhouse. They added lumber and building materials to the mix last year. Next to traditional hardware, customers can find health and beauty products, toys and games, mini storage units for rent, and even sewing machine repair. They appeal to their “outdoorsy customers” by keeping niche items like maple sugaring supplies.
WYOMING
• Benedict’s Ace Hardware
Family owned, and opened just four years ago, this business strives to make a difference for kids and their families by raising money to help Intermountain Primary Children’s Hospital. This hardware family in Mountain View also utilizes their Facebook page to constantly tell customers about seasonal products and gardening tips – right now it’s about fighting grubs that will turn into beetles this spring. A Google reviewer recently posted this: “Hats off to the Benedict family for opening a store that has so much to offer.”
Have you seen all-star retail performance? Let us know at news@hbsdealer.com.