Hardware All Stars: California & Colorado

Each year, HBSDealer editors face the tough task of sifting through dozens of nominations for the annual Hardware All Stars feature (sponsored by <span style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px; max-height: 100000px; border: 0px; font-family: open_sansbold, sans-serif; background-image: none; background-attachment: initial; background-size: initi

Each year, HBSDealer editors face the tough task of sifting through dozens of nominations for the annual Hardware All Stars feature (sponsored by Epicor).

It's not exactly tough to find retailers that provide knowledgeable service, or stores that are important to their communities. When it comes to All-Star status, however, it's usually a matter of someone with a little extra -- be it exceptional service, an unusual market niche or perhaps just a really great story.

The April issue of Hardware + Building Supply Dealer magazine contains the full list of 2015 honorees, and more of their stories. Here are highlights, from the class of 2015 from California and Colorado.

California: Friedman’s Home Improvement

When Friedman’s last year finally rebuilt its Petaluma home center (destroyed by a fire in 1976) it made up for lost time with a world-class 83,000-sq.-ft. facility replete with two floors of product selection, a drive-through lumberyard and a growing, breathing living wall of plants. Friedman’s is a founding member of Sonoma County Go Local.

Colorado: Fontana True Value

A winner of True Value’s 2013 “Best Hardware Store in Town” awards, Fontana True Value is a case study for retail know-how. With superior customer service, a welcoming store, well-stocked shelves and competitive pricing and promotions, this Canon City outpost hits all the right notes.