When the news broke about six weeks ago that the Do It Best corporation would be acquiring True Value it sent shockwaves through the retail landscape, which left many locals wondering if that would affect one of our two long standing and beloved local hardware stores.
Fear not – nothing will change at our local True Value says owner (and former Mayor), Roger Tobler. We met with him today and he explained that very little to anything will be noticeable to the average shopper.
The store is packed and ready for the Holiday Season with all of the items you expect both for everyday needs as well as gift giving or other last minute needs. Roger explained to us that he’s always worked hard to give us a great assortment of items and has a wide variety of vendors and distributors they work with.
“Do It Best is a great company, and their well run,” he tells us. With the acquisition, DIB is now larger than Ace Hardware and adding these 4500 stores is strategic. For now, the True Value brand will continue. Roger emphasizes that the brand has always remained a strong with a reputation for quality and that shouldn’t change.
This local store was initially opened by his father in 1972, and Roger took over in 1989. He says he’s seen many changes over the years. Well aware of the price pressures created by big box retailers “over the hill” he says they do their best to price their products fairly and competitively. They specialize in animal feed, green goods as well as gifts and household items to keep a variety of items locals need. They boast a better assortment of nuts and bolts than the majors, and appreciates the way locals have always patronized both our local Ace Hardware and True Value stores.
One of the biggest changes he’s noted has been the inflationary pressures of the past four years or so. He said he’s never seen anything quite like it – where each week they might literally have 1000 price adjustments to implement. Through all of that he clearly enjoys running the store and has continually invested in keeping it up to date with the latest improvements the industry offers to keep us served with the most reliable paint, products and tools he can find.
But he again expresses his appreciation to all of our local shoppers. Their store is fully staff and stocked and ready for what lies ahead!
