Page 19 - May-June 2024 REPORTER - web optimized

pening the largest independent hardware
Oand building material store in North
America is not a simple task. Operating that
store in a town of 3,370 people makes the
task even more daunting. The Miller family,
the current owners of Hartville Hardware, took
on the role of operating a hardware store in
1972 and have been growing the business
ever since.
Hartville Hardware started in Hartville,
Ohio in 1947. It began as a general farm
store also selling Oliver farm tractors and
equipment. The owners at that time carried a
full line of hardware and reportedly could fix
anything. They had a blacksmith who worked
in a separate building shoeing horses. The
business grew and was expanded many times,
changing locations and ownership a few times
as things grew. Howard Miller Sr. bought
the business in 1972 and ran it with his son
Howard Jr. managing the store. At the time it
was called Lake V&S. (V&S stood for value
and service) With the help of a few mentors,
and other family members Howard Jr. grew
the business and in 1974 they built their first
of many new buildings. It was renamed True
Value Hardware when they moved into their
new 22,500 square foot store in December of
1974.
Assured that this building would be
large enough for the business to prosper
they operated within that space until 1983
when old tractor trailers were being used
to store merchandise. In 1983 they built an
added a 9,000 sq ft pole barn building to the
rear of the store, bringing things to 31,500
sq ft. In 1986 John Deere approached the
Millers about the possibility of taking over a
dealership in a nearby town that was for sale.
To make this happen they were required to solid supplier for 29 years, but it was felt that which allows customers to easily drive in, pick
have a separate building dedicated to power a switch to Do-It-Best brand would help take up and pay for their materials. They also have
equipment. An additional 6,000 sq ft space their operation in Hartville to the next level. a special full size show home inside the store.
was added to market and merchandise the With that change, in early 2002, the store was This 1850 sq ft Idea House allows customers
John Deere equipment correctly. In 1987 rebranded Hartville Hardware. to see and choose the materials they would
the John Deere department was opened and Sometime in 2007 the Howard Sr., Jr. and like in their own builds or renovations. This
has become one of the leading John Deere the 3rd and 4th generations of Millers began model home is a part of a very extensive
dealers in Ohio. to investigate how they could bring their design centre. The design centre specializes
The next expansion of the business growing business together, under one roof. in kitchens, baths, and appliances. They have
occurred in 1991 when a local lumber retailer They took inspiration from retailers around built their show room so that customers
was bought along with that store’s 20,000 the United States in determining how to can see appliances and finishes in all price
sq ft building. It has become one of the key arrive at a design which would bring all their ranges. Hartville Hardware has an impressive
components of the store. In 1993 the lumber product areas together. array of in stock and special-order high-end
business was brought under one roof with a In November of 2010, the ground for a appliances like Wolf, Sub-Zero, Café and
38,000 sq ft addition. The lumber business new Hartville Hardware was broken. This store KitchenAid to suit any taste and budget.
continued to grow and flourish and in 1997 would cover over seven acres under one roof, The store has a row of home facades that
another addition of 3600 sq ft was built to with a total area of 305,000 square feet. Early show many different exterior home designs.
provide additional sales and warehouse in 2012 the sparkling new store opened. The (siding, stone, brick with different railings,
space. Continued growth of the lumber area new store joined with sister companies the porch designs, columns, and so on) Behind
meant in 1998 a new, separate 16,000 sq ft Hartville Kitchen and Hartville MarketPlace those facades each has a different kitchen
off-site space was purchased to house the and Flea Market which are located about a and bath design. Some show a modern look,
lumber sales, a special-order area, offices, and mile down the road on a 200-acre parcel of others have very traditional feel. There are
additional warehouse space. land. ornate designs to clean simple looks. All
A dramatic change to the ever-expanding Some of the notable areas of the store this is to show customers options. Hartville
business started in 2000. TruServe had been a include a three-lane drive-thru lumber yard Hardware is also known for having broad

www.lbmao.on.ca LBMAO Reporter - May-June 2024 19