Fifty winning retailers, state by state

Home Channel News selected 50 hardware stores -- one from each state -- for inclusion in the second annual Hardware Store All-Star list. The stores distinguish themselves with strong customer service, innovative approaches to retail and a connection to community and customers.

The alphabetical listing of All-Star stores, one from each of the 50 U.S. states, continues here with New Mexico, New York and North Carolina: 

New Mexico

Sun Valley Do it Best Hardware

Deming, N.M.

One person can make a difference, as Brennen Jeffers proved in advancing from part-timer to general manager of Sun Valley Do it Best Hardware in a few years. Put in charge of an underperforming store, Jeffers changed the reputation of the store, replacing underperformers with workers ready to learn and succeed. He remodeled the interior and expanded the space. The result: 20% increases in 2010 and 2011, with increased gross margins. 

New York

Young’s General PRO Hardware

Catskill, N.Y.

It gets pretty cold in the Catskills in February, so what better time to hold an indoor Hawaiian luau for your customers and staff? Retailer Brian Young trucked in 1,500 lbs. of sand, grass skirts, leis and miniature ponies. For St. Patrick’s Day, all green-colored products in the store were discounted. His themed events tend to draw a fun crowd, Young said, adding: “Happy people buy things.”   

North Carolina

Town & Country Hardware

Chapel Hill, N.C.

A lot of companies talk about trust. Town & Country Hardware defines it. “Our mission is to be the most trusted hardware store, and that means to provide credible answers to their questions,” said president Craig Ward. That’s why all employees follow a training matrix that is continually monitored. The eight-store retailer relies heavily on paint and outdoor living. It’s also one of the recent and prized additions to the Central Network Retail Group.