Hardware Retailing The Industry's Source for Insights and Information
IN HONOR OF ITS 90TH ANNIVERSARY, Krogen’s Do it Best in Boscobel, Wisconsin, hosted a weeklong celebration that included anniversary-themed activities. The first 90 shoppers received a free T-shirt, door prizes were drawn every 90 minutes and each of the 90 winners received a prize worth more than $90. The store also paid customers 90 cents for each 1933 penny brought in, and customers enjoyed a 19.33% discount on all furniture, wall art and bedding.
On Saturday, customers could purchase a bratwurst and a drink for 90 cents, with all proceeds benefiting the Wisconsin River Trail Organization.
“It’s a joy to celebrate 90 years in Boscobel,” says Krogen’s Do it Best president Karl Krogen. “We know we wouldn’t be who we are today without the support of this loyal community, and we’re always interested in an opportunity to invest in our customers like they’ve invested in us.”
Fundraiser Goes to the Dogs
Championing a cause near and dear to the owners’ hearts, Thompson True Value in Marshalltown, Iowa, raised money to jump-start fundraising for its local K9 unit to bring on another dog and handler. In the years they’ve been in business, owner-operators Dave, Kathy and Paul Thompson have made connections with their community, including the local police force, and wanted to show their support.
“We feel it’s extremely important to get behind our police officers who protect and serve the community,” Dave says. “We have developed friendships with members of the Marshalltown Police Department over the years, and this was a great way to help them out. And who doesn’t love dogs?”
This past spring, the store ran a sale on 10-pound boxes of dog biscuits, donating 100% of the proceeds from the sale to the Marshalltown Police Department.
Dave says they are grateful to their generous customers, who purchased the biscuits, which led to the Thompsons donating $2,000 toward the cause. They are also thankful for local partners like Todd Steinkamp, general manager of the local radio station, who got the word out about the fundraiser.
“Because of the tremendous loyalty of our customers, we strongly believe in giving back to our community,” Dave says. “With us, it’s a family way of life.”
Getting social
Oye’s Hardware may be surrounded by an audience who doesn’t utilize technology, but its owners have still found success promoting the business and connecting with customers on social media.
The store is nestled in the heart of Amish country in Arthur, Illinois, and owner Casey Oye says they renewed their focus on social media in 2019. Casey and husband Charlie are third-generation owners and view social media as an easy way to reach more customers.
“We started pushing our social media reach after our daughter Myla was born. While we still love interacting with customers in person, social media has made us more personable and better able to engage with more customers,” Casey says. “Plus, everyone enjoys watching our cute girl grow up.”
