Hardware Store All-Stars: New Mexico, Texas and Oklahoma

HCN congratulates the 50 hardware store, home center and farm & 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 New Mexico, Texas and Oklahoma.

New Mexico: Hart's Home Center is Moriarty's answer to the classic hardware store (where, like Cheers, everyone knows your name). Expect service with a smile, as well as a show-and-not-tell approach. Employees are both knowledgeable and willing to stay by a customer's side as he makes his selections. 

Texas: Fourth-generation owner Kyle Grothues has helped ensure Guadalupe Lumber's legacy as a San Antonio mainstay, ranging from its inception in 1915 to its decision to supply lumber in the midst of the Great Depression. Serving the lumberyard niche (as well as miscellaneous market needs that include jackets and Virgin Mary statues), Guadalupe keeps the residential construction sector moving with products for handymen, DIY-ers and light to medium commercial construction.

Oklahoma: Fresh from a new store grand opening in March 2012, Hinton True Value Hardware exceeded sales expectations by a whopping 50% in its first year of business. Though many of HCN's all-stars are retail dinosaurs that have been around for generations, this particular store bucks the trend with a fresh Destination True Value format that features improved navigation and a more female-friendly selection, as well as a niche plumbing contracting focus - just owner DeWayne Tripp's way of meeting a need in the Hinton region.

Next week, HCN will highlight All-Stars in North Dakota, South Dakota and Minnesota. For the full state-by-state list of HCN Hardware Store All Stars, click here.