Hardware Store All-Stars: Georgia and the Carolinas

HCN congratulates the 50 hardware store, home center and farm and ranch retailers who made the annual HCN Hardware Store All-Star list.

Now in its third year, HCN's annual list of high performers recognizes hardware stores -- one from each state -- that are outstanding in their field. The complete list and analysis can be found in the September issue of HCN. Meanwhile, HCN Daily will work its way across the country with mini profiles, continuing this week with North Carolina, South Carolina and Georgia.

North Carolina: It might be miles away from home for many, but Zoller Hardware is a destination hardware store by design. Located in the mountain resort town of Cashiers, Zoller's shelves are stocked with the requisite hardware offerings as well as gifts, housewares and cabin decor. Indeed, many of their products are hard to come by elsewhere in the region, which makes Zoller Hardware an essential stop for campers and locals alike.

South Carolina: Seneca's Tri-County Ace is in it for the community, and that entails everything ranging from its yearly back-to-school program to its neighborhood-specific product assortment. Part of a chain of six stores serving the tri-county area of upstate South Carolina, the Seneca store bills itself as a contractor hub and features a full-service lumberyard and a builder-friendly product selection. 

Georgia: Since we're dealing with superlatives, suffice it to say that Intown Ace Hardware in Decatur, Ga, was named one of Ace's "Coolest Stores on the Planet" this year. Its atypical customer loyalty stems from its top-notch customer service, likable staff, sprawling garden center and unexpected gifts assortment (many of which are locally made).

Next week, HCN will highlight All-Stars in Florida, Alabama and Mississippi. For the full state-by-state list of HCN Hardware Store All-Stars, click here.