Fifty winning retailers, state by state

The 2012 Home Chanel News Hardware Store All-Star list recognizes stores that in some way, shape or form distinguish themselves among competitors and customers.

The four stores listed here are part of a larger group -- one store from each state in the country -- that represent the hardware store virtues of ingenuity, helpfulness and customer service. Here are stores from Colorado, Nevada, New Hampshire and New Jersey: 

Colorado

Ace Alameda Station

Denver

Owner Andy Carlson holds a “Grill Your Ace Off” barbeque contest each year where 25 teams with names like “This Flame is Not Yet Rated” vie for Ace gift cards of $500 and $250. All grilling is done on Big Green Eggs although the June 9 competition will introduce Weber grills. All proceeds benefit the Children’s Miracle Network Hospitals. 

Nevada

McFadden-Dale Hardware

Las Vegas

Although it primarily serves the industrial/commercial sector, don’t tell the people of southern Las Vegas this isn’t their neighborhood hardware store. A full assortment of electrical, plumbing, tools and paint comes from Orgill and Do it Best. A special sign department carries 60 SKUs in stock and can order any custom sign. Caution! Men at work.  

New Hampshire

Benson’s Lumber & Hardware

Londonderry, N.H.

Whether you need a few simple hardware supplies or estimates from a complicated blueprint, Benson’s said it can help. The hardware store has been serving the Londonderry community for 100 years, and most of its staff is longtime employees considered experts in their fields. “Our nursery is huge,” owner Brad Benson said. “You name it, we got it.”

New Jersey

Home Hardware & Supply

Waldwick, N.J.

At 5,300 sq. ft., Home Hardware & Supply is a giant at selling gas grills. The two-time Bergen County hardware store of the year nestled among affluent neighborhoods is the state’s top Weber dealer. How? “We fire up the grills and give away free hot dogs for four hours every Saturday,” said owner Rick Kadien. “That’s a great sales tool. Plus, assembly and delivery are always built into the price.”

For the complete list of 50 winning retailers, state-by-state, register or log in to Homechannelnews.com.