Hardware Store All-Stars: Maine, Vermont and N.H.

One more fall season, one more round of 50 hardware store, home center and farm-and-ranch retailers who earned All-Star status.

HCN's fourth annual list of Hardware Store All-Stars recognizes hardware stores -- one from each state -- that stick out (but in a great way). For the full print issue feature and state-by-state list of HCN Hardware Store All-Stars, click here for the September digital edition.

Online, HCN Daily will spend the next few weeks promoting our winners via mini profiles, starting this week with Maine, Vermont and New Hampshire.

Maine: Serving the farm and ranch needs of Maine, New Hampshire and Vermont is Paris Farmer's Union, which was incorporated in Maine in the year of 1919. Still going strong in 2014, the retailer consistenly competes on price and value, and it knows how to help novices and seasoned pros alike.

Vermont: Here's a hardware store that goes slightly beyond "general store" territory with its surprising array of product offerings. In addition to standard hardware items, The Pick & Shovel also stocks patio furniture, pet supplies, apparel, maple sugaring equipment and inventive artisanal ice cream.

New Hampshire: As Berlin's self-proclaimed oldest lumber company, Caron Building Center has staked out a name for a number of good reasons: hands-on involvement in every stage of a project, rigorously trained staff and design resources for builders. It all helps CBC provide customers with All-Star service.