Park Hardware’s new owners are preserving a business that has been a local favorite for more than 30 years. The added value is a bilingual staff that can serve a new Latino population as well as longtime customers.
Latinos made up a quarter of the city’s population in 2000, but saw a 65 percent increase to 40.4 percent by 2010. A hallmark of the increase was a noticeable uptick in home improvements, but there was a language barrier at the Park Avenue hardware store.
Maribel Gonzalez, owner of The Park Florist a few doors down, said she was often pressed into service to translate. Now that Alvaro Cardona has bought the business, she said, “I don’t have to go to the hardware store any more with people.”
“It’s like a bonus,” employee Nestor Zavala said of the bilingual service.
Workers were busy Tuesday laying tile in the front display window and painting shelves an eye-catching orange.
Also new in the window was an array of rain pipe parts, to call attention to Cardona’s gutter installation service.
But as always, even a handyman just looking for the right screw for a small project will be welcome.
Old customers are familiar with the imposing wall of drawers full of assorted screws and nails that former owners Rich and Doug Borchers would sift for matches. The brothers were well-known for their personal service and advice, something Cardona’s staff hopes to emulate.
The business went up for sale after Doug, 60, passed away on Christmas Day 2011. Rich was working on the transition when he died unexpectedly on March 16 at the age of 56. Cardona and his staff have had the sad task of informing customers who didn’t know of the brothers’ passing.
“It was heart-wrenching, sad,” Gonzalez said. “We lost a little Park Avenue history. They were both honest, good people.”
But Cardona and his staff, while also saddened, seem ready to write the next chapter for Park Hardware. On Tuesday, three generations of the family, including his father, Jose Martinez and sons Christian and Jhon, were on hand at the store. They are keeping the name, the familiar inventory, the phone number (908 754-9137) and even the ancient rotary phone that the Borchers brothers liked. But now they can bridge the language gap that frustrated a whole group of potential customers.
"They'll be fine," Gonzalez said.
If you go: Park Hardware, 617 Park Ave. Hours: 7 a.m. to 6 p.m., Monday-Saturday
--Bernice
Boy. . I am happy the store is remaining. It is my go to place for glass. Many a times I have called in my measurements and picked up my glass 20 minutes later.
ReplyDeleteOne could also drop of window sashes for new glass and glazing. Or window screens for repair. I hope this service remains as it gave the store an advantage over the big box home centers.
And I hope the owners continue the tradition of keeping the front windows clear of paper signs and scotch tape. , , ,
js
I didn't realize the Borchers had passed. Very sad. Park Hardware was my local "go-to" place. I will make sure to stop by and welcome the new owners...and pick up some screws and wire.
ReplyDeleteRebecca
Doug and Rich were always so helpful to me. I had heard Doug died, but didn't know Rich followed him. How sad. But I will continue to support Park Hardware. We need to patronize our locally-owned, non-corporate businesses. Sometimes the cost of the items is a little higher, but it is saved in greater community connections, not to mention gas and the time it takes to schlep to a big box store. Barbara
ReplyDeleteNice to hear some good news out of downtown. The survival of a neighborhood hardware store anywhere is noteworthy. The fact that it is in Plainfield's CBD should get it an article in the Times.
ReplyDeleteGreat news that the store is still open. As far as keeping the windows clear, there is a city ordinance that states that no window can have more than 30% of its area covered.
ReplyDeleteAnother ordinance not enforced. But in any event, it is great to see the new owners cleaning up the store and being a great new addition to the community.
Now, do you think they might consider running for an office and be represented? Hope so.
Wasn't it owned by a Plainfield family named the Kunzmans back in the 60's. I think I am right, as there was also a Pinn Hardware and Used Book store in the area. This my be a question for [drum roll, please] OldDoc !!
ReplyDelete