Exploring new places, seeing how locals interact with one another, trying new cuisines—there are many reasons people love to travel. Now imagine taking that love of travel and a passion for telling the stories of independent home improvement retailers and mix them together. This summer, I had the opportunity to combine my passions for travel and storytelling on the road trip to retailers throughout New England for the North American Retail Hardware Association (NRHA).
Over the course of five days, I drove more than 1,400 miles, visited 13 retail operations and saw some beautiful sites along the way. Read this article to take a look at highlights from the road trip and learn lessons from the businesses I visited during the adventure.
For even more insights from the NRHA New England Road Trip, listen to my podcast, “Tell Me More…” Click here to hear in-depth interviews with Josiah Gates of Aubuchon Hardware, Kevin Hancock of Hancock Lumber and a recap episode from the entire trip.
If you would like to learn about each individual day of the trip, be sure to read the daily summaries.
Steward’s Hardware Co. in Clinton, Connecticut, is a staple in its community. The business provides excellent customer service and is known for its funny television commercials.
The team at Hemlock Hardware in Fairfield, Connecticut, was so kind. They welcomed me with a sign out front and a few store associates gave me a tour of the operation.
On my way through Connecticut, I made a quick pit stop for coffee on the Yale University campus. I snapped a few photos and took a brief tour around the historic grounds.
Hancock Lumber has 10 retail locations in Maine and New Hampshire.
While in Maine, we visited the most photographed lighthouse in the world: Portland Head Light. It’s so picturesque, I felt like I was stepping into a postcard.
Portland, Maine, locals say they can get everything they need at Maine Hardware. The company has carved out its own distinct brand with its product mix, service and merchandising.
Adler’s Design Center & Hardware in Providence, Rhode Island, is celebrating 100 years in business this year. They made celebratory signage and fun merchandise like T-shirts and reusable bags, which were displayed throughout the store.
Adler’s offers customers large paint swatches for a better idea of the color.
If you ever find yourself near Cabot, Vermont, make sure to visit Harry’s Hardware & The Den to enjoy music and drinks!
Woodstock Ace Home & Hardware tailors its products to each community.
In Boston, I visited Backstage Hardware and met owner Jim Robichau. In addition to being a full-line hardware store, it’s also a theatrical supply business.
I visited several Aubuchon Hardware locations, which has more 200 in the Northeast! The company is using technology in many ways, like introducing buy online, pick up in store offerings.
Norfolk Hardware & Home Center is celebrating 85 years in business. They celebrated with a complete remodel and plan to host events, sales and demos throughout the next year.
In Gilford, New Hampshire, I met Chris Finethy, who owns and operates Gilford True Value. The hardware store carries a variety of products, like seed, feed, hardware and more.
Edmund’s Ace Hardware in Antrim, New Hampshire, had that New England charm!
Renee Changnon is the retail outreach coordinator for NRHA. She meets with retailers in their stores and at industry events and introduces them to the services NRHA provides. Renee previously worked as a member of the NRHA communications team. She earned a degree in visual journalism from Illinois State University, where she served as the features editor for the school newspaper. After college, she implemented marketing and promotions initiatives at Jimmy John’s franchise locations across the country. She enjoys exploring books with her book club, Netflix marathons and hosting goat yoga at her apartment complex.
Renee Changnon
317-275-9442
rchangnon@nrha.org
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