Fall 2023 Hardlines Strategies

CUSTOMER PROFILE

Tyler Dumas (right) says the company’s motto is “to provide better than expected service.” He is seen here assisting customers alongside his father, Rocky.

“It has been an enjoyable learning experience working with this father-son team,” Randol says. “Seeing their vision on a run-down building and knowing what it could be and then helping them fulfill this goal has been rewarding. I look forward to working with them and their staff to keep expanding on this vision and helping them expand on their entrepreneurial objectives.” A Store Is Born Tyler and Rocky decided on the name of Kirtland Mercantile for the new store. It reflected their vision for the store and its old-fashioned yet modern design and feel, with Western saloon details incorporated throughout. Kirtland Mercantile sits on 1.5 acres, with a long, rectangular 4,000-square-foot store. When rehabbing the store, Tyler uncovered the store’s original cedar tongue-and-groove ceiling with iron trusses. He later added ceiling fans and other rustic elements. The store layout is open and inviting, with six aisles flowing from the front cashier station. The walls and shelves

are a light tan, adding to the overall light and airy feel of the store’s interior. Planned future improvements include an update of the external storefront to match the Western saloon style along with larger exterior signage. Kirtland Mercantile had a soft opening in January, and a grand opening in June. Tyler promoted the event in the community with mailed flyers created through the Blish-Mize On Demand program. Product Offerings The Aztec and Kirtland hardware stores carry all the product lines you’d expect to find in a traditional hardware store—with the addition of an incredibly robust waterworks department. “You know, there’s not a hardware store, including the big-box stores like Home Depot and Lowe’s, that can really match our waterworks, inventory and supplies,” Tyler says. Plumbing, paint and sundries along with fasteners are some of the biggest selling categories. The lawn and garden department is also a leader for the business.

34 Fall 2023 • Hardlines Strategies