More than Just Hardware: Welden Hardware Builds Community Connections for Over 135 Years

Welden Hardware may be small, but it sure is mighty. For over 135 years, the store has been serving Simsbury, Connecticut, with a commitment to growth, local involvement and genuine customer service.

Founded in 1889 by Samuel T. Welden, Welden Hardware began as a greenhouse and post office. Today, the store has grown into a full service hardware store providing home improvement solutions and forming genuine connections with the community of Simsbury.

The store is owned by John and Melissa Brett who have owned the operation since 2004. John started working at the store in 1988 and Melissa joined the team in 2004 when the opportunity arose to purchase the operation from the prior owner, a close family friend of the Brett’s.

In addition to Melissa and John, the Welden Hardware team has 5 additional employees, including the Brett’s daughter who serves as office manager and social media director. 

“We don’t have cashiers—all employees are like personal shoppers and advisors, from the moment they walk in the door to cashing out,” Melissa says. “Each employee has their strengths: one is our main screen repair person, another is primarily repairing equipment, another is trained on Weber grill repairs, but we all strive to help customers.” 

Melissa says Welden Hardware operates as a typical small hardware store with its biggest volume being hardware products. The store also has a wide selection of keys, paint sundries and fasteners along with the other niches they provide.

“One of our niche categories is a small power equipment shop, where we work on all brands of residential power equipment and offer pickup and delivery to local customers,” Melissa says. 

The Welden Hardware team likes to spend time getting to know each of their customers and are committed to helping in any way they can, even if they don’t end up with a sale. Melissa says this personal touch is what makes the business unique and stand out from the crowd.

“Creating real relationships has led to long-term customers,” she says. “Even when people move away, they drop by for a visit, send Christmas cards and call just to talk.”

Melissa and John believe local involvement in the community is an essential part of operating a small business and contributes to growth of both the store and its community. Melissa serves as treasurer of the Simsbury Main Street Partnership and has served on the board of directors at the organization for over 18 years. She and John also remain actively involved in their church and continue to invest in community life beyond their business.

“As long-time business and property owners, we believe deeply in contributing to the town’s economic vitality and view local involvement as essential to healthy community growth and sustainability,” Melissa says. “We help out with contributing to almost every fundraiser for local schools & non-profits.”

As the store looks to the future, they hope to continue connecting with customers. Melissa says they are working to increase their social media presence and have partnered with a local media group to take better advantage of their online advertising.

“Our 5-year plan is to continue to duplicate everyone’s knowledge within our current staffing,” she says. “We are also working on a succession plan as we get near retirement age. But John and I love what we do, so there are no immediate plans on retiring or selling the business.”