True Value chooses “best” hardware stores

True Value recently recognized 13 True Value hardware stores -- one from each of the co-op’s retail regions -- as winners of its second annual “Best Hardware Store in Town” recognition.

The Best Hardware Store in Town program is designed to recognize members that exemplify successful retailing in areas such as the store’s lighting, attention to detail and delivering a superior shopping experience.

“These 13 stores win with the customer by anticipating shoppers’ needs and exceeding expectations, day in and day out,” said Lyle Heidemann, president and CEO of True Value.

Stores up for consideration as the Best Hardware Store in Town are either self-nominated, nominated by their retail consultant or nominated by another True Value retailer. From there, mystery shoppers visit each of the 26 finalists (two from each retail region) and experience the store from a customers’ point of view, the Chicago-based co-op said.

Using customer feedback, a committee of co-op associates reviews the finalists and names the 13 winners. This year drew close to 200 entries.

Store evaluation criteria include physical appearance, product selection, competitive pricing, promotional sales and customer assistance. The 13 winning retailers and their store locations are:

• Chad Ayers, Allendale True Value, Allendale, Mich. • Johnny Boyle, Boyle’s True Value Hardware, Bandera, Texas • Phil Bradley, Hoosick True Value Hardware, Hoosick Falls, N.Y. • Harold Douthitt, Jackson True Value Hardware, Jackson, Ky. • Jerry B. Fischer, Krengels True Value Hardware, Twin Falls, Idaho • Matt and Steve Glenn, Glenn’s True Value, Lincoln, Neb. • Doug W. Greene, Manlius True Value Hardware, Manlius, N.Y. • Scott and Linda Kuenning, Western Ohio True Value Hardware, Minster, Ohio • Chris Fragapane and Dan Sneed, Jackson True Value, Jackson, Calif. • Ryan, Terri and Vernon Sower, Lewis Mercantile True Value, Bayfield, Colo. • Suzanne Andre-Springer and Tom Toth, Prescott True Value Hardware, Prescott, Ariz. • Gerry Weaver, JB Zimmerman True Value, Blue Ball, Penn. • Willis A. Qualheim, Qualheim’s True Value, Shawano, Wis.