Hardware Store All-Stars: Washington, Oregon and California

People talk, but where hardware stores are concerned, that talk can lead to a world of good.

HBSD's fourth annual list of Hardware Store All-Stars recognizes hardware stores that have generated their fair share of buzz, what with their exemplary performance, outstanding selection or local reputation.

HBSD Daily will profile the honorees, moving across the map of the United States from East to West -- continuing this week with Washington, Oregon and California.

Washington: The success of Windsor Plywood in Bellingham, Washington, is getting noticed at Windsor Plywood's head office in Langley, British Columbia. Store manager Ken Asp is building relationships with customers and the community. The store front proclaims: "The experts you need to know." Headquarters writes: "Their pride shows."

Oregon: When Salem locals think "hardware," they think, "Madrona Hills Ace Hardware." Besides being easy on the eyes, the store has a customer-pleasing inventory, and a lot of care has been put into its paint, gift and garden departments. Visitors are often taken aback by the store's massive selection of nuts and bolts.

California: Good things come in small packages and great locations. Bay Hardware, measuring in at under 3,000 sq. ft., brings in $1.2 million a year -- and in a small town by the beach at that. When you consider the five-star service, selection and the staff's willingness to go out of their way for their customers, the performance rates "All Star."

For the full print issue feature and state-by-state list of HCN Hardware Store All-Stars, click here for the September digital edition.