Why Shop at Independent Hardware Stores - Good for you, Good for the Community

By Steve Graham

The local spending movement is spreading through cities and towns of all sizes. Spending money at local businesses keeps more money in your community. An estimated 80 percent of each dollar spent at a local store stays in the community and multiplies as the money is then re-spent at other local businesses.

Local stores also provide jobs, help maintain a sense of community and may have environmental benefits. But what's in it for you? Here are three good personal reasons to buy materials and tools at local independent hardware stores, and one big reason to keep the phone number on hand for home-improvement warehouse stores in your area.

Knowledgeable Service

Big-box stores usually train employees to help find anything in the store, but the employees often can't provide detailed help or advice on products. Most independent hardware stores hire experts in specific segments of remodeling. For example, an experienced and helpful user of a variety of plumbing tools and parts will usually be available in the plumbing department.

Personal Relationships

The same plumbing expert will likely be in the store each time you return for more tools and materials as your project needs expand. Like having a neighborhood bar "where everybody knows your name," it can be comforting and helpful to have a friend at the hardware store who understands your project. The employee can follow your project and offer helpful advice without needing you to start over and explain everything again.

Local Necessities

National chains typically stock similar items in every store. An independent, local store will more closely tailor its selection to the area climate, soil conditions and lifestyle. In arid climates with poor soil conditions, hardware stores might carry specialized fertilizers that might prove useless in an area with more damp, fertile soil.

An area with older brick homes may necessitate more masonry tools and specialized equipment for fixing older plumbing and completing other projects.

Similarly, a national chain is unlikely to know about popular local hobbies and sports. If local residents spend their weekends racing all-terrain vehicles through the woods, a local hardware store is more likely to carry the tools and supplies for the small vehicles.

You Still Need the Big Box

On the other hand, large warehouse home improvement stores have grown so popular largely because they have a large selection and everything is in one place. They may have some items you can't find at independent hardware stores or any other local business that doesn't cater purely to contractors and bulk orders.

You also can't beat the convenience of a big box if an emergency strikes and you need a new drill, lumber and plywood all at once. Nonetheless, it is worth checking local stores before falling back on the big box retailers.