T&M Hardware keeps its focus on growth
Expansion, both in locations and inventory, has been a constant for T&M Hardware and Rental Centers since its beginning 33 years ago.
Starting in Ellwood City in 1991, T&M has grown to six locations including one at 134 Perry Highway in Harmony.
At the same time, the hardware and rental center has grown its offerings to its customers, according to Samantha Post, who owns the chain along with her father, Tim Post, mother, Mary Post, and brother, Scott Post.
“In addition to offering traditional hardware products such as plumbing, electrical, paint and lawn and garden supplies,” Samantha Post said, “we’ve expanded as shops around us opened and closed to include hunting and fishing items, decorations, pet supplies and old-fashioned candy.”
She said the family saw it as an opportunity to better serve customers.
“People can come in for a plumbing need and walk out with a garden flag, pet treats and other things they didn’t know we had,” she said.
“I like to tell people we take the big items out of the big box stores and strip it down to its core. We have similar products and niche things. We have a large pet department and much more home décor outside of holiday things,” she continued.
In addition, T&M offers rental items such as carpet cleaners, excavators, mini-Bobcats, wood chippers, stump grinders and log splitters.
“If someone really wanted to build a house on their own, we can help them,” Samantha Post said.
The six locations also make it convenient for T&M’s customers.
“For instance, in Harmony they don’t have to fight traffic on (Route) 19,” Scott Post said. “It’s easier to get in and out of the store. If you are in the middle of a project, you don’t want to waste half your Saturday driving to a store and coming back again.”
“As a family-oriented company, we’re mindful of family time. We want to give people their life back with their family or the friends,” Scott Post continued.
T&M also offers its customers the option of ordering products from its website, www.tandmhardware.com
Customers can check the store inventory and place orders online to be shipped to a nearby store location or a customer’s home.
As for the holiday season, Post said the T&M locations are only closed on Christmas and New Year’s days.
And this year, T&M are offering holiday “mystery bags” ranging in price from $5 to $25.
“These are things that would be helpful to give as gifts or stocking stuffers,” said Samantha Post. “We’re bagging up different things. They could be white-elephant things or stocking stuffers.”
