Hardware Store All-Stars: Tenn., Ky. and W.Va.

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 Tennessee, Kentucky and West Virginia.

Tennessee: Word on the street is that Ace Hardware of Chattanooga holds a spectacular Spring Open House each year. This year, especially, there was cause to celebrate, as the store had recently been treated to a makeover. With nice wide aisles, lots of storage, a thriving garden center and an area for home decor, the store has more or less had its spring awakening.

Kentucky: Congleton Brothers Pro Home Center, located in Beattyville, knows a thing or two about customer satisfaction. Having opened its doors over 90 years ago as a furniture store, it soon expanded to include feed and seed, hardware, and even embalming and funeral directing. Fast forward to recent decades, and you'll soon learn that current owners Terry and Lynda Congleton began selling lumber when the local lumberyard closed, as well as opened a rental department per popular demand. It's not hard to see why this location earned a spot as PRO Hardware's Cosgrave Award finalist this year.

West Virginia: Having been around since 1929, this business knows a thing or two about weathering economic turbulence. For the green thumbs of Martinsburg, Boltz Hardware, Garden Center & General Store has been an old-time favorite in town. Here, you'll find your garden essentials and a complete hardware selection, as well as little extras like gourmet birdseed, old-fashioned candy and canning supplies. 

Next week, HCN will highlight All-Stars in Illinois, Indiana and Ohio. For the full state-by-state list of HCN Hardware Store All-Stars, click here.