They kept the town hammered
Hardware has been in business for over 130 years
By BECKY BROOKS
Enterprise Editor
clydenews@bizwoh.rr.com
Whether located "on the highway" or in downtown on Main Street, the Clyde Hardware or now Clyde Pro Hardware has been serving the community for 130 years now.
The business that has gone from traditional hard goods in its past to it's modern design that offers everything from nut and bolts to electric tools.
Jackie and Larry Bower purchased the hardware business nine years ago from Phil Weiker. After a 2002 major fire in the original hardware store building at the 122 S. Main St. store, the Bowers decided to purchase the Maplewood Gallery at U.S. 20 and CR 260 in 2003.
They transformed the arts and crafts gallery into dual stores with one entrance. Larry said the downtown building had served as the home to hardware since its opening in the late 1800s.
But the Bowers rented that storefront and they were facing higher costs to remain in the old building. Instead, the Bowers followed the path of other retail businesses and found a new home to own on U.S. 20.
"We've been doing pretty good," Jackie said about the business on the east side of Clyde.
"It was averaging more than it was averaging down there," she added about the complex they moved into six years ago.
Of course, like merchants nationwide, the current recession has been challenging for the 130 year old business.
"I wish more people would check you out," she said about getting a larger assortment of people into the front door.
"It's not bad," Larry commented, about business.
"It could always be better."
Jackie said the business still must combat people's traditional views of a hardware store.
"They have tunnel vision," she said about many traditional customers. With full wall of open case nuts, bolts, screws and fasteners, a customer can walk in and find the one piece he needs for a project.
Jackie wants the customer to be satisfied, but would also like to have those shoppers come in with family and walk through the gallery side of the store and just look at hardware endcaps.
They also face people who believe the "hardware" should still be an old-time general store.
"We don't have the old, old stuff," she said. " We're as modern as the next store."
Larry commented that being a Pro Hardware, the business has access to many items that can be ordered and delivered quickly.
"We'll sell a stamper; we'll sell a stove pipe," Jackie commented. she said. "We can still get galvanized tubs, washboards ... skillets, big cookers...we still sell skeleton keys."
But the Bowers are trying to compete with big box stores. If they can get people in the door, then hey are trying to offer items and a variety that will keep the store competitive.
They may not sell the old ringer washing machines that the "Hardware" carried once upon a time, but they have the paints, fishing basics, batteries and other items homeowners need.
"There are two separate stores under one roof," Jackie added about the diversity of the newer location.
"You can shop around for primitives, candles or something else."
"It's probably a unique set-up; like a mini-mall," Larry commented.
On March 20 and 21, the local business is planning a craft show to highlight the gallery side of its operation.
The local store is also home to the Clyde Fliers Blue and Gold wear from Benchmark Press, which are big sellers on game days, according to Larry Bower.
"It's amazing in here on a Friday," he said about football season.
While the store now uses modern - electronic cash registers - up from the pencil and paper of decades past, the Bowers have found modern conveniences can sometimes hinder them.
For some reason, the store's fax number is listed in the white pages of the phone book first, and customers get frustrated with the fax machine's buzzing and beeping when they call.
Those wanting to reach the hardware should call 419-547-9437 to get a person to answer.
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