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strategic anchors is the commitment “best
place to work” “Hartville Hardware believes
that if we make it the best place to work,
then our customers will also have the
best experience when they shop with us.”
Onboarding programs for new hires during
the first 4 weeks include training from a
full-time trainer, instructing new staff to
consistently execute their systems. They
have a 3 level Character Development and
Leadership class that team members can go
through.
Another element that sets Hartville
Hardware apart from their competitors is that
they are only open 6 days per week, closing
Sundays to allow their staff a family day. Their
hours are Monday to Friday 8 am to 7 pm and
8-6 on Saturdays. The contractor entrance
opens at 7 am and contractors can shop the
entire store at that time.

Hartville Hardware has been extremely
blessed with growth and success over the
years, but it hasn't been without a few difficult
times. The lumber side of the business is
intricately tied to the housing market. This
business is always challenging however we
have only had 2 years out of 51 with negative
sales growth one of them being last year.
With the impressive growth this store
has shown over the past 50 plus years, one
would wonder if there were still room for
growth. This store draws customers from
Canton, Akron and as far away as Cleveland,
Ohio (approx. 100 kms away) to shop for
products that they may not be able to see
and touch elsewhere. While they have their
regular clients and professional contractors
(split 60% /40% trade), they view their shop
experience as a destination. in other markets. We just broke ground like a culture of steady, focused improvement
By no means would I say that the Hartville on a store in Middlefield, OH, where we that delivers exceptional value to our
market has reached a state of equilibrium. purchased a store a few years ago, but due customers.
The 44632-housing market (postal code for to great growth, we need to expand. Also, as
the Hartville area) is extremely competitive, previously mentioned, we also have our sights Conclusions
and the unemployment rate is lower than set on online expansion, as this is a good There is no question that the Miller family
the national average. The region also has a opportunity for growth for our brand. and Hartville Hardware management have
high demand for the types of services and What is the future of this flagship Do-It-Best been able to use their focus on treating their
products that we sell, which allows us to store? customers, staff, and their community like
target our marketing efforts effectively. We Technology has changed almost every how they would like to be treated has worked.
must pull people from further away to get aspect of life, but focusing too much on what It is clear to see that Hartville Hardware
growth. We see the most room for growth is changing is why so many companies do not has worked hard to earn their spot as the
opportunity in larger ticket items such as maintain a clear vision. When you are solely largest independent hardware store in North
appliances and pro lumber. focused on change, you are tempted to make America. While the store is very impressive, it
Considering the number of building decisions that are not necessarily good for lives up to the billing. If you are in the Canton,
additions and relocations over the past 50 you in the long term. Today, tomorrow, and Akron Ohio area you should visit.
years we asked if there are any plans to ten years from now, consumers will continue We would like to thank Cindy Kandel and
expand the Hartville location. to purchase products and services that work all the staff of Hartville Hardware for their
We don't have plans to expand our and are priced reasonably – not solely based time in showing us around and in preparation
flagship store, but we do continually try to on the merits that it’s new. Focusing on the of this article.
optimize space. We are getting ready to do basics, the things that will stay constant,
a reset that will affect several departments means that our business will be more efficient
this summer. We do have plans to expand in ten years. Under a microscope, it will look

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