Six years ago we began our journey into hardware store ownership. It was an exciting time, a plan was emerging from our minds on what we envisioned happening in our new business.
Wilkes County Hardware store front
Our official name became Wilkes County Hardware. Many folks still refer to us as Wilkes Hardware and wonder where Harvey is… lol he hasn’t owned the hardware store for many years. Gerald Lankford owned the store for 10 years before selling it to us. Harvey was the owner before Gerald.
Gerald Lankford, the former owner and dear friend
Gerald stayed with Richard for the first year so that he could learn all aspects of the business, including the pools.
Richard became a quick study of how to care and do maintenance on pools
The first year is still pretty much a blur… we decided to add a point of sale computer system instead of a basic cash register so that inventory could be monitored closely, & new fixtures went in. A major highlight of year one was the filming of our hardware store on NC Public TV.
Richard completely set up all these fixtures and began to move merchandise, key desk was also moved closer to back door
In the next few years, we added staff, continued to add new products into our lineup. One neat find inside our walls … when we opened up a space near the front entrance and found two doors that had been covered up for many years with pegboard. The captions that follow along with the pictures will chronicle the rest of our story.
These double doors had been covered in pegboard for many years!!! Lawn & Garden items were dramatically expanded into the next few years of business ownership Apple Festival… new hours for us we are open all day during the festival. The store used to close early on Apple Festival Day. Logo gear was added to our hardware store… it all started with this original design Added new locally based products into our store… these are best sellers around holiday time The wood stove is always going strong on cold winter days… and folks love to stop by and warm on snowy days The largest snowfall we have had since store ownership has been 16inches !!! Richard’s news clip from WXII made it onto the Today show Need a great grill??? We are sold on Traeger grills Dog friendly hardware store Our customers love this potting soilKeegan’s first pieces arrived at Wilkes County Hardware Amazing new line of bird seed was added that our customers keep coming back for more and more.., Here’s our first Meyers display… customers come from all over in order to purchase from our vast selection Straight shot from back to front door… it took several years to get there but we are getting there as we still work on organizing Always & everyday.., A list of our hometown hardware store services We love you always 💕This small display is no longer found at our front door… the entire front is open now and wow!!! What a difference it makes!!! Expansive selection of fasteners Our hours were updated and changed to close each day at 5:30, so our customers could swing by and shop as they are on way home & still pick up essentials. We still currently close at 2pm on Saturday Last day of school… retirement as a teacher begins and a new role as a full time hardware store owner begins… The same view of the store captured in a series of two pictures Ceiling fans installed Harry’s Hot Dogs Event was an amazing successWayne is truly a key master… folks still come into the store just to have keys made by him Keegan’s work has progressed into bigger and fabulous designs Made in McGrady is an multi-talented husband & wife team, we keep their pieces in our store. A favorite local WCH hat… deeply rooted into our store history Wilkes County Honey, locally sourced!!! COVID created an interesting time for small businesses to operate under. We are appreciative of your support Teamwork with Cooks, the #wilcostrong initiative raised money for our community-Samaritan Kitchen Locally sourced granola The most devastating day in our ownership so far… Customer rewards have been a huge success and the checkout process is easy & safe A unique variety of locally sourced products A paint line was added in early 2021 We continue to add to our logo gear… short sleeve, long sleeve, and sweatshirts BBQ sauce that is absolutely delicious!!! In 2021, Wilkes County Hardware launched a booth inside Carolina Treasures Antique MallWe sell local pottery, each piece is handmade & unique Locally sourced soaps!!! Our drop off flag box is consistently full now that our customers realize what it is for. We are so excited to begin another year of service in our community. Thank you for shopping with us at your favorite hometown hardware store, Wilkes County Hardware.
The Hardware Life - A wife's journey into the hardware business 
Love your blog Angela! We always enjoy shopping with you and Richard!
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Congratulations! Huge improvements to offer unique, locally significant items while staying well connected to the rich history. Nicely done!
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Congratulations. I am so glad you are here and provide the quick easy service and knowledge of a local retailer.
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