Hardware stores shine on

Around the country, independent hardware stores are providing their communities with messages of support and acts of solidarity. As the coronavirus spreads, it’s revealing the ways hardware stores provide service and inspiration during times of crisis.

In Vermont, Ace Hardware retailer Gordon Winters is giving out American flags to all customers who want them.

Winters told the Milton (Vt.) Independent:  “I was thinking of what I could do that would help and, on the way out of my driveway one day, there was an American flag in the garage,” Winters said. “I got out and stuck the flag on the side of the road and thought ‘Maybe if I could do something that could get some hopes up and spirits up,’ because at the time we were in the middle of things and not seeing light at the end of the tunnel.”

Winters owns several Ace Hardware stores in Vermont, where the state has taken an aggressive stance against the spread of the coronavirus. However, the state continues to deem hardware stores essential.

In Indiana, Leigh Ann Akard, owner of Akard True Value Hardware in Zionsville is shining decorative lights as part of True Value Company’s Shine-A-Light campaign. By displaying colorful lights in store fronts around the country, True Value says its dealers are expressing goodwill, hope and solidarity.

“Shine-A-Light demonstrates our collective spirit and readiness to help, while emphasizing how we’re locally strong,” said Akard. “People are loving the lights in our store front and I encourage everyone to unite with us to illuminate positivity throughout their community.”

Also in Indiana, Markle Do it Best Hardware has established a community pantry, in partnership with a local church.

“If you need help during these serious times, please stop by and grab some groceries that the community has generously donated. We are your one stop, essential shop! No questions asked. No judgment. Just neighbors helping neighbors,” the company explained on its facebook page.

In Kansas, Arrowhead Hardware has opened up its parking lot to serve as a drop-off location for local farmers to distribute food during the lockdown.

Some of the gestures benefit America’s front line heroes fighting the pandemic. In California, for instance, Santa Rosa-based Friedman’s Home Improvement donated masks to the medical staff at St. Joseph Health.

And around the country, hardware stores are adjusting to the new realities of social distancing and remaining open to serve their communities.

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