Hardware All Stars: Massachusetts & North Dakota

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In the April issue of Hardware + Building Supply Dealer, 50 stores from 50 states are recognized for their ability to operate at an All-Star caliber.

The U.S. is lucky in that there's no dearth of hardware stores and lumberyards that matter to their communities. But the retailers that enter the hallowed halls of Hardware All Star fame (a feature sponsored by Epicor) tend to go above and beyond the call of duty.

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, continuing today with Massachusetts and North Dakota.

Taunton, Massachusetts: Manny's Paint & Hardware

It's not called "Manny's World-Famous Taunton Hardware" for nothing. It's said that owner Jack Kostka never says no, and this winter, he puts his money where his mouth is by ensuring his store was always stocked with ice melt, salt and roof rakes -- so much so that neighboring Home Depot and Lowe's stores routinely sent their customers to him.

One of the store's other slogans is: "If we don't have it, you don't need it."

LaMoure, North Dakota: LaMoure Hardware

Proving that there are no merchandise boundaries to All-Star performance, Ryan and Eve Lasko dedicated half of their new 20,000-sq.-ft. hardware store to groceries.

It's a mix that has served the community's needs since it celebrated its grand opening in October.