Hardware Store All-Stars: The Dakotas and Minnesota

Every community is a living organism -- and existing as an integral part of its body, there's almost always a hardware store of All-Star caliber.

HCN's fourth annual list of Hardware Store All-Stars recognizes hardware stores that are a reflection and outgrowth of their surroundings -- so much so that they often anticipate the needs of customers before being asked.

HCN Daily will profile the honorees, moving across the map of the United States from East to West -- continuing this week with Minnesota, North Dakota and South Dakota.

Minnesota: Located in Hockey Town, USA, Marvin Home Center skates not to the puck, but to where the puck is going. It keeps its mix fresh with plumbing, sporting goods, tools, cabinets, lawn and garden, housewares and rental equipment in a 50,000-sq.-ft. state-of-the-art facility. The United Hardware member has been serving the 1,800-population community since 1912.

North Dakota: Given the oil boom and wave of recent job creation, North Dakota is a pretty exciting place to be at the moment. Stepping up to the plate are Badlands Do it Best Hardware owners Jeff and Laura Dodds, who have remerchandised their store to accommodate the growing demand of the region.

South Dakota: A strong presence in its community has granted a fierce competitive edge to Custer True Value. Known as the go-to place for hard-to-find products and detailed, expert assistance, Custer also takes a successful stand against competitors' prices.

For the full print issue feature and state-by-state list of HCN Hardware Store All-Stars, click here for the September digital edition.