What ever happened to the old-fashioned hardware store we grew up with?
It wasn’t fancy. It didn’t have a lot of frills. It wasn’t part of some mega chain.
But what it did have was anything and everything you needed along with a knowledgable staff to answer your questions or point you in the right direction.
The legacy of the old-fashioned hardware store lives on in Oxford at Tom’s Hardware (558 S. Lapeer Road).
A local institution since 1972, Tom’s Hardware is the place to go for everything from electrical and plumbing supplies to marine equipment (docks, rafts, paddle boats) and power tools.
Speaking of power equipment, did you know Tom’s Hardware is the ‘oldest Stihl dealer in the area.? Since 1978, the store has carried Stihl’s line which includes chain saws, weed whips and outdoor blowers.
Owner Tom Toteff said he often hears people say, ‘If you can’t find it any place else, go to Tom’s, they’ve got it.?
While he’s flattered that people know his store is a great place for hard-to-find items, Toteff would rather people remember to ‘Come to Tom’s first? because the store always has ‘what you need, when you need it.?
Since 1957, Tom’s Hardware has been a proud member of the Do It Best cooperative (back then it was called Hardware Wholesalers Incorporated) which has allowed the store to purchase 90 percent of its inventory and sell it to customers at low prices.
Being a cooperative, Tom’s Hardware, along with about 4,000 other stores nationwide, owns Do It Best.
‘So they’re actually working to get us the best price so we can give our customers the best price,? Toteff said.
Customers can even order hardware items on-line at www.doitbest.com and have their items shipped directly to Tom’s Hardware for pickup.
Toteff said on-line ordering is not only convenient, but ‘sometimes customers can buy below my cost? given the frequent special discounts Do It Best offers on its website.
With spring fast approaching, Toteff wanted to remind people Tom’s Hardware carries the complete line of Valspar Paint to freshen up their homes for the warmer weather and has a propane station capable of filling everything from barbecue grills to motor homes, up to 100-pound tanks.
Tom’s Hardware is also the headquarters for FASTRAC (www.fastrac-usa.com) ? an adjustable tie down system for securing and transporting dirt bikes, motorcycles, ATVs and snowmobiles that’s simple and easy-to-use.
Invented by Toteff, the U.S. Patented system consists of four-foot pieces of metal trac, double or single trac wheel chocks (or single trac custom ones for smaller bikes), and tie down clips, each rated to hold 1,000 pounds.
Each item is sold separately so as to allow users the opportunity to custom fit the FASTRAC system to their specific needs without purchasing any unnecessary or extra pieces, according to Toteff.
FASTRAC can now be found in nine retail outlets in Michigan and one in New York.
Despite his invention’s growing popularity and success, Toteff’s Number One concern and focus is the hardware business.
‘We’re always a hardware store first,? he said. ‘We’re old -fashioned and that’s the way I’m going to keep it.?
‘I’ve got a real loyal customer base ? people who have been with me for years and years. They don’t want to go to the big boxes. I’m going to keep them and take care of them. They’re what make small businesses prosperous.?
Toteff also wished to remind everyone to keep shopping locally.
‘Don’t forget about the local businesses in your community that give something back, especially for the kids,? he said.
Tom’s Hardware frequently sponsors little league teams and donates gift certificates for local schools? silent auction fund-raisers.
‘Kids are what everything’s all about. They’re the future of the community.?
Tom’s Hardware is open Monday through Saturday from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. and Sunday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
For more information call (248) 628-2222.