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 Oregon, Pennsylvania and Rhode Island:

Oregon

Hometown Hardware

Myrtle Point, Ore.

Housed in a historical landmark (circa 1890), Hometown Hardware retains the original hardwood floors and hand-pressed tin ceiling. Product categories touch on legacy items (i.e., Landmark 30-year architectural shingles) to new (i.e., the latest kitchen cabinets and bath vanities). Lumber is a big seller here. Owner J.R. Morgan protects the lumber from the elements to preserve the superior quality for customers.

Pennsylvania

New Milford Hardware

New Milford, Pa.

In the last two years, gas drilling in northeast Pennsylvania has surged. The result has been a jobs boom that has fueled business for New Milford Hardware. What began as a small mom-and-pop store has tripled in size, albeit one that still maintains its old-fashioned country charm, co-owner Gary Stone said.

Rhode Island

Jerry’s Paint & Hardware Co.

Narragansett, R.I.

“He’s a people person.” That’s how Robert Ferraro Sr. describes Robert Jr., the third-generation manager of Jerry’s Paint & Hardware. Robert Jr., 33, also impressed the NRHA enough to be recognized as one of five Young Retailers of the Year. Last year was the best year for Jerry’s Paint & Hardware sales. And the store recently expanded from 6,000 sq. ft. to 9,000 sq. ft. Robert Jr.’s All-Star advice: “Do what others aren’t doing.”

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