• (0)

    No products in the cart.

© 2024 North American Hardware and Paint Association. All Rights Reserved.

Largest Hardware Store Boasts Unique Offerings

Claiming the title of largest independent hardware store in the U.S., Hartville Hardware in Hartville, Ohio, boasts 305,000 square feet of retail space on a 200-acre campus that includes a restaurant, bakery, an indoor and outdoor flea market and a gift shop. The store carries nearly every category of hardware products imaginable and has many unique niche departments like YETI cups that can be engraved on site. Hartville Hardware proudly serves local and destination shoppers alike.

Key Takeaways

  • Hartville Hardware is considered the largest independent hardware store in the U.S. with 305,000 square feet of retail space
  • The store is on a 200-acre campus that includes a restaurant, bakery, an indoor and outdoor flea market and a gift shop
  • The company celebrated 50 years in business in 2022

To help customers find what they need in the massive store, the walls around the interior perimeter are painted different colors for the different departments. Customers merely have to follow the color for the department they want to reach their destination. The showpiece 1,830-square-feet Idea House is a fully designed modern farmhouse style home that allows customers to explore and envision products in an actual home setting. Along the back of the store, customers can walk through the “row houses” that feature fully stocked and decorated kitchens and bathrooms to inspire customers. 

Fully stocked with all the most popular brands and grilling products, the grill center is a destination itself with beautifully merchandised indoor and outdoor spaces. The store sells appliances and has an appliance service center. Other highlights include a John Deere repair shop, custom engraver, massive toy section and seasonal department. 

The company celebrated its 50th anniversary in 2022, and president Scott Sommers attributes much of the operation’s success to treating its customers, employees and community like family.

“It sounds cliche, but we really do strive to treat people like we want to be treated,” he says. “People respond positively to that attitude, and they want to know and trust you’re going to take care of them.”