Stars shine in Nevada, New Hampshire and New Jersey

The tradition began in 2011, when Home Channel News, the forerunner of HBSDealer, recognized 50 Hardware All Stars — one hardware store, home center or building supply dealer from each state. The tradition continues in 2019, with an all-new class of STIHL Hardware All Stars.

It’s a class as deserving of recognition as any that preceded it.

The 50 stores here represent all that is stellar in home improvement retailing. To varying degrees, they support local and national charities, experiment with merchandising and store design, differentiate themselves from competition, invest in their facilities and their people, and generally serve their communities like All Stars.

Here are three examples of All Star performance with three dramatically different business models:

• Ace Shopper Stopper
Boulder City, Nev.
If you’ve ever driven from Las Vegas to the Hoover Dam, you probably passed right by this Boulder City, Nev. hardware store. And there’s even a good chance that you stopped to shop. “Happens all the time,” said store manager Joe St. Louis, about the sightseeing customers. Located in postcard-perfect Boulder City in an adobe-style building, Shopper Stopper combines a vintage-style with an up-to-date paint and hardware offering. “Customers think fairly highly of us,” said St. Louis. “We’re known for our paint, and more importantly, our customer service.”

• The Lumber Barn
Bradford, N.H.
The Lumber Barn is a full-service hardware store with a pro lumberyard, a stand-alone kitchen showroom and a complete Stihl department and service area. To best serve their customer base of builders, contractors and DIYers, The Lumber Barn underwent a remodel in 2016. And, to help inspire women to tackle their own home improvement projects, the store hosts a Ladies’ Night event.

• Lavallette Hardware
Lavallette, N.J.
This hardware store in Lavallette appears regularly near the top of the Do it Best ranking of warehouse purchases per square foot. Located just a few blocks off the beach on a Jersey Shore barrier island, Lavallette Hardware is a go-to stop for contractors and homeowners. The store endeared itself to the community by playing a prominent role in the rebuilding effort following the destructive Superstorm Sandy.

Click here to see the full class of 2019 all stars.