Aubuchon Company buys Cornell’s Hardware
John Fix III, Mary Beth (Fix) Wellington, and Thomas Fix, the third-generation owners and operators of Cornell’s Hardware in Eastchester, N.Y., have agreed to sell their business to The Aubuchon Company, the oldest and largest family-owned hardware store chain in America.
Following the closing at mid-year, the Aubuchon Company will operate 108 stores in 8 states.
“The Fix family has owned and operated Cornell’s Hardware for nearly 100 years, serving the home repair and improvement needs of friends and neighbors with a passion for personal and attentive service,” said William E. Aubuchon, IV, president and CEO.
The store will continue to operate as Cornell’s Hardware, and the Fix family will continue to be involved in various roles as employees, said the Aubuchon Company.
John Fix posted this message on his chat board: “I am looking forward to working with them during the transition and beyond. So, you’ll see me around, in the store, at trade shows possibly, and certainly online here on Hardlines.”
Speaking of which, he said, “Hardlines will continue as always, so no worries about it going away.”
“We take pride in being known for trying to satisfy every customer and going above and beyond a traditional hardware selection of goods,” said Mary Beth (Fix) Wellington.
“We carry unique items like beekeeping suits, home beer and winemaking supplies, Gozney pizza ovens, an extensive selection of light bulbs, a large array of kitchen wares, and we always enchant our customers with a Christmas wonderland,” she said.
Cornell’s traces its roots back to the early 1800s, making it one of the oldest business entities in Westchester county. Around 1908, the store was purchased by two brothers, Charlie and Bailey Cornell. John Fix began working at Cornell’s in 1916, and over time, he bought into the business and managed the store along with the Cornell family.
“Much like the Cornell brothers wanted to be sure that their hardware store continued to serve their community after their departure, we also want to be sure that Cornell’s Hardware continues to serve our town as we move forward looking for other ways to be of service to the community,” said Thomas Fix.
Will Aubuchon said “over the course of three generations, your family has built an incredible local business, serving countless customers and employees. It is a privilege to work with you and your team in carrying on the Cornell’s tradition for decades to come.”
John Fix said, “for the past few years I’ve been working with my sister and my cousin on a business transition plan. Unfortunately, we have no ‘next generation’ waiting in the wings interested in taking over the hardware store, and while we plan to continue working for the foreseeable future, we no longer want to be working 60+ hours per week as owners of the store.”
Aubuchon said, “John, Mary Beth, and Thomas all care deeply about their customers and staff, and we promise to do the same.”