“Pickles” the T-Rex greets customers and thrills kids at Blackhawk Ace in Charlotte, North Carolina. Co-owner Andy Wilkerson said: “We gained our reputation by being different.”
NORTH CAROLINA
Blackhawk Ace Hardware
In business in Charlotte since 1977, the store has a giant dinosaur named Pickles that greets all. “What’s amazing is how many kids don’t see it until they’re right under it – then they jump back,” said co-owner Andy Wilkerson, son of owners Jim and Barbara Wilkerson. “We gained our reputation by being different.” They have 25,000 square feet of non-traditional items. “Housewares are some of our best sellers,” he said.
PENNSYLVANIA
GR Mitchell True Value
GR Mitchell “has more lumber and building materials than the big box stores in Lancaster County,” the firm said. And the hardware side has name brand home and professional grade tools, plumbing, electric, paint and outdoor living products. This is a hardware store with friendly, knowledgeable people – all in Willow Street, Pennsylvania.