New Davenport hardware store opening

Davenport – Hardy Hardware plans to have its grand opening on Sunday, March 15. The new store will occupy the building vacated by Davenport Building Supply. The Hardy Hardware owners are Kari Hardy and her father Gerald Hardy. The Hardys began negotiations to purchase the business in February and the sale was finalized March 3.

The Hardys have deep roots in the Davenport area and are fourth generation farmers. The Hardys wanted to open a business in the area and decided a hardware store was the kind of opportunity that suited them. "We felt it was really important to keep the store in the community," Kari Hardy said, "We want to keep the down-home store feel. We're just really excited to open and serve the community."

Workers were busy installing new shelving and getting the store ready on Tuesday afternoon. The Hardys were able to retain one experienced and knowledgeable employee from the Davenport Building Supply days, Melody Rohr. All other staff are new.

The Hardys have a vision for what they want their new business to be. They plan on stocking inventory that will cater to both contractors and the general public. They plan on selling a variety of pet foods and having an inventory of home decor. The garden center will open on April 1, then be a year round service. Garden clinics and possibly hardware clinics are in the works. Manager and co-owner Kari Hardy said they hope to add a lumberyard too.

The website http://www.hardyhardware.com will become active on April 1 and allow users to check store inventory online.