A year after Wilton’s century-old hardware store closed its door, the business will reopen down the street under an owner who hopes to bring back its old-fashioned roots.
Jeff Chaisson, chairman of Wilton’s downtown committee, said after Wilton Hardware closed in January 2014, downtown lost an asset and he had been hoping someone would bring it back.
After no one showed interest, Chaisson decided to take on the task. The store is scheduled to open again in April at 343 Main St., down the street from its original building.
“I wanted to see it back open, so I figured I would jump in,” he said.
The Main Street store was a fixture in downtown before closing. Selectmen said the reopening has generated positive feedback and excitement in town.
“There’s that difference — call it hometown service,” said Selectboard Chairman Scott Taylor. “It’s that smalltown feel of being able to go into that hardware store and get anything from a fishing lure to a gallon of paint.”
Selectman Paul Berkey said the store is a draw that helps with the flow of people in downtown.
Berkey, also a property manager, said the convenience of a local hardware store is handy for small businesses such as his because it lets people shop in town instead of running elsewhere to buy supplies.
“We’ve always had it,” said Berkey. “People look for it.”
Chaisson, also co-owner of Expenet, said most of the day-to-day operations will be run by the store’s new general manager, Jessi Sawyer.
Sawyer, a Weld resident and Mt. Blue graduate, worked in hardware before and is excited about getting back into the field.
She and Chaisson will be the only employees of the store at first. Sawyer said the thought of the hard work it’s going to be doesn’t make her apprehensive.
“I’m pretty dedicated when I put my mind to something,” she said.
Sawyer said she has heard nothing but positive feedback from residents when they heard the hardware store was coming back.
“I think everyone has missed it,” she said. “Sometimes you just don’t know what’s there until it’s gone.”
Chaisson also bought the inventory and the building. The hardware store will fill an empty storefront in a building he also owns.
He has been surveying residents to see what they might want to see in the store, like a return of ice fishing bait or home brewing supplies.
He plans to renovate the original building and rent it out as commercial space. Chaisson said he felt the new space has higher ceilings and a better layout.
“And it has that old-fashioned feel to it,” said Sawyer.
Kaitlin Schroeder — 861-9252
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