Hardware Retailing The Industry's Source for Insights and Information
A local hardware store in the small town of Waveland, Mississippi, received an unexpected visitor last October from across the pond. A documentary production company based in the United Kingdom reached out to David Hubbard, owner of Hubbard’s Waveland Hardware, asking to feature him and his store in their upcoming documentary.
The company, Big Wave Productions, produces documentaries for BBC and National Geographic and is currently creating a documentary about Hurricane Katrina. Hubbard’s store reopened only six days after Katrina hit the Mississippi Gulf Coast.
Hubbard says he was surprised when he learned he would be featured in the film.
“I went, ‘Wow’,” Hubbard says. “That’s not too shabby.”
Hubbard’s story is part of a six-part documentary series named “Deep Dive North America.” The series, hosted by scientist, filmmaker and wildlife TV host Lizzie Daly, will highlight North America’s coastal wildlife and environment. Daly will visit local communities to speak with scientists and conservationists.
During his interview with the film crew, Hubbard shared how his store rebuilt after Katrina’s devastating damage.
“We narrowed in on Waveland because of the level of devastation that was there,” says Mark Woodward, the documentary’s director. “It was clearly a pivotal moment in the town’s history.”
The store, known for its old-school approach where employees visit with customers and walk them through the aisles to find what they’re looking for, flourished in the year after Katrina. The store struggled in years after, however.
“Half our town was gone,” Hubbard says. “There were no houses left for them to live in.”
Waveland Hardware celebrated its 70th anniversary in October 2024. The store has had a resurgence in recent years with newcomers in the town.
“We’ve healed, but it has taken a long time,” Hubbard says.
The documentary will air this summer through Canadian broadcaster, Love Nature.
“It ought to be fun,” Hubbard says. “I just hope I can do them justice.”
Photo credit: Hannah Ruhoff, Biloxi Sun Herald
