Adams Hardware hits 150-year mark

In today’s economy, when many hardware stores are struggling to stay afloat, celebrating 35 years in the hardware business is no small feat. But while Bob Lawson, owner of Adams Hardware in Lawton, Mich., is proud of his 35 years of successful ownership, it is overshadowed by the store itself, which turns 150 in August.

In the heart of Michigan’s wine country, the town of Lawton is best known as the home of Welch’s. The town was founded in 1848. Its oldest business is the hardware store.

Adams Hardware, Paints and Oil was founded in 1860, and stayed in the Adams family for nearly a century. The company joined Hardware Wholesalers Inc. (now Do it Best) in 1947 and was original member No. 128. Third-generation owner Gifford Adams sold the store in 1952 to Oscar Heintz and Harold Blocker and moved the store from its main street location to a new 4,000-sq.-ft. building behind the town’s bank. In 1975, the store was sold to Bob Lawson, the current owner.

Now, sitting in his 12,000-sq.-ft. store, the only thing that remains from the original Adams is a walnut countertop in his paint department. Lawson said a customer found it in his basement and gave it back to the store. It now serves as a display piece for paint chips.

“I wish that thing could talk. It could probably tell us a lot,” he said.

Lawson reminisced about the changes in inventory stocking over his 35 years of ownership. He remembers when the company changed from a mail order service, to making phone transactions and now computers, and credits the computer with being one of the greatest business tools he’s ever had.

Of course it’s a far cry from the early days of the store, which relied on wagon peddlers to restock inventory.

Lawson said that while many have been struggling in the current economy, he’s seen a 25% increase in sales in the last three years. He said his secret is to stick to the basics, repairs and maintenance and stay away from big-ticket items. He also said customer service is still his No. 1 priority.

“A lot of stores you go in, you feel like you’re bothering people. I don’t allow that to happen in my store,” he said.

“People are always looking for good value, but more and more people are doing their own work. They need more service, they need more help doing these projects, and you need to be willing to help them, or you’ll be closing your doors,” he said.

And while convenience also plays a key factor in the store’s success, being that the closest big-box stores are a Home Depot and Menards 15 miles away, Lawson said that the introduction of a Tractor Supply store three miles away has done little to threaten sales.

“Yes, we’re convenient, but you still have to provide the service people expect,” he said.

He said he’s seen growth in both his paint and his lawn and garden departments.

“People used to have folks to do that for them. Now they’re doing it themselves,” he said. “I’m sure a lot of them come here for our knowledge and expertise.” Lawson added that those are also two departments where he can compete with the bigger stores in pricing, as well.

The store is set to celebrate its 150th anniversary July 24h, with storewide sales, door prizes, food and drinks, and maybe even some Welch’s grape juice.

As far as being part of a 150-year legacy, Lawson said he is proud to be involved with a store that’s served his community for almost as long as the town has been in existence. “I feel privileged to have had the opportunity to be involved with it for the past 35 years. Lawton is a small town, where residents have stuck together during hard times, which makes it a wonderful place to live and raise a family. My wife and I have enjoyed watching our business grow and serve our community.”

“In this day and age, we’re happy we’re still going strong,” he added.

He said thinking about the store’s legacy makes him consider his own. Currently, he is set to leave the store to his children when he retires. Whether the family name will stick with Adams for another century, Lawson can’t say.

“It would be pretty neat if that happened though,” he said.