Carr Hardware to buy Lee Hardware
In an acquisition that unites two longtime Western Massachusetts hardware families for generations, multi-store retailer Carr Hardware is purchasing Lee Hardware. The two family businesses have been competing the Berkshires for about eight decades.
Strengthening its footprint in the Berkshire County town of Lee, Mass., Carr Hardware expects to close its acquisition of Lee Hardware Sept. 27.
Carr Hardware says it will continue operating as Lee Hardware True Value with no interruption in service to its customers. In business since the 1940s, Joey Scapin who has owned and been running the store since 1991 will stay on to ensure a smooth transition.
“In making this decision, it was important that the qualities I value for my employees, customers and community continue. I am confident that uniting our two family business legacy will do just that,” Scapin said. “It has been an amazing 30 years with the support from the community and employees of Lee Hardware. I am honored to have served your families and businesses over the years and am looking forward to some new life adventures, including seeing you while shopping at the store.”
The Lee store will retain management and store personnel. In the aisles, brands include Benjamin Moore, Scotts, Weber, Husqvarna and more.
Down the street, Carr Hardware will also continue to operate a sister location. With plans to increase and differentiate products in both hardware stores, customers will have a broader range of shopping opportunities.
“I have enormous admiration for Joey, Courtney and their family’s business,” said Bart Raser, president of Carr Hardware. “We have been respectfully competing for 80 years. They run a great community focused store with strong brands and friendly local folks-- both of which will continue. Leveraging our strengths, the amazing staff and expanding the business will bring more offerings, a well organized shopping experience, and even better pricing.”
Carr operates locations in Pittsfield, Lee, Lenox, Great Barrington, North Adams and Springfield in Massachusetts and Avon and Enfield in Connecticut. Carr Hardware was named the National Independent Small Business of The Year in 2017; and has been voted “Best of the Berkshires” 23 years in a row.
