Hardware All Stars: Connecticut & Mississippi
Each year, HBSDealer editors face the tough task of sifting through dozens of nominations for the annual Hardware All Stars feature (sponsored by Epicor).
Each year, HBSDealer editors face the tough task of sifting through dozens of nominations for the annual Hardware All Stars feature (sponsored by Epicor).
It's not exactly tough to find retailers that provide knowledgeable service, or stores that are important to their communities. When it comes to All-Star status, however, it's usually a matter of someone with a little extra -- be it exceptional service, an unusual market niche or perhaps just a really great story.
The April issue of Hardware + Building Supply Dealer magazine contains the full list of 2015 honorees, and more of their stories. Here are highlights, from the class of 2015 from Connecticut and Mississippi.
Connecticut: Weed & Duryea
Weed & Duryea in New Canaan, Connecticut has been a community staple for generations, and has the appearance to prove it.
When Barry Coleman was welcomed onto the team in 2007, he proposed a renovation that would return the trustworthy and charming aesthetic of an old-fashioned general store to the retailer’s interior. Today, under owners Arnie Foster and Jan Cohen, Weed & Duryea pays homage to their history in their visual display and performance. That performance extends to the parking lot, where customers can see the original 19th century railroad tracks the business used to stock lumber and coal. And at the front door, a local grower showcases fresh produce.
This All Star and Do it Best member also features some modern amenities. A large drive-through lumber building was erected on the back lot, and a new contractor section with its own entrance was recently added.
Mississippi: Moore’s Feed Mill & Store
In 1962 John Moore Sr. and wife Kathleen opened Moore’s Feed Store, which has expanded into several new areas over the years. In the early 1990s the Moores started carrying more hardware-related items and about 10 years ago they started up a metal fabricating shop that has really taken off. They also make and sell their own line of feed.
Hardware, clothing, equestrian and tack are some of the key categories, along with feed supplies as the name implies. The retailer prides itself on customer service, knowledgeable staff and a setting that stocks more than 200,000 SKUs.