Stadium Hardware completes expansion into ex-Campus TV & Satellite space
Stadium Hardware co-owners Skip Hackbarth, left, and Mark Mayne stand in the area they have expanded into which was formerly Campus TV.
Angela Cesere | AnnArbor.com
Editor's note: This story has been updated to show that Campus TV relocated. For more information on the business, contact owner Joe Logelin at 734-665-6644.
Stadium Hardware co-owner Mark Mayne can’t believe the long-time Ann Arbor store used to be just a tiny, cramped storefront at 2177 W. Stadium Blvd.
But that was 50 years ago.
Now, the business sprawls about 10,000 square feet after recently expanding into the former Campus TV & Satellite space next door. The business relocated last summer, and Stadium Hardware signed a lease to take over its 1,500-square-foot space.
Stadium Hardware co-owner Skip Hackbarth said when the opportunity to expand arose, he jumped at it almost immediately.
“We checked with Bell's [Diner] right away to make sure they were not interested in the space,” he said. “It wasn’t completely necessary, but if it was available, we were going to take it.”
The reason: “It makes it so there is a little more uniformity to the store,” Hackbarth said.
Hackbarth, Mayne and the other owner, Mike Kruzel, were able to move building hardware and miscellaneous items into the new space to better organize the store.
And although it’s taken a few months to complete the move, Hackbarth said the store’s steady stream of customers have been very positive about the new look.
Business has also been great, he added.
The store opened in 1962, and most of its 20 employees have been there for eight years or more.
Hackbarth said it’s Stadium Hardware’s “knowledge pool,” high level of customer service and unique product mix that has kept it open over the years, even during hard economic times.
“We’re here to help people.” he said, “That’s the key and that’s the goal. And realistically, if you just stick to that, you’re going to make a living doing it. Customers come back because we help them and because we have weird, eclectic items they’re looking for.”
When customers walk through the door, Hackbarth said they are helped right away, don’t have to wait in long lines and can usually get everything they need.
And even though their business model has proven successful, Hackbarth said he doesn’t envision Stadium Hardware opening additional locations.
“We want to control this environment,” he said. “We want to make sure when we’re done here at nighttime we can go home to our families.”
He added: “Everybody wants to be rich, but you can look at being rich as being able to live and have great family time. That’s the goal here and that’s the way it’s probably always going to be.”
Mayne - who has been with the company for 33 years - laughed when recalling his experiences over the years.
“It’s been fun, but it hasn’t been real fun,” he joked.
But in all seriousness, he added, “It’s been great, and I wouldn’t be here for 33 years if I didn’t want to do it.”
Lizzy Alfs is a business reporter for AnnArbor.com. Reach her at 734-623-2584 or email her at lizzyalfs@annarbor.com. Follow her on Twitter at http://twitter.com/lizzyalfs.
Comments
lindor
Mon, Jan 9, 2012 : 10:24 p.m.
Love this place!
15crown00
Sat, Jan 7, 2012 : 11:18 p.m.
There use to be an Ace Hardware store in Toledo much like this one.they had a little bit of everything but not to much of anything.
jcj
Sat, Jan 7, 2012 : 1:14 a.m.
There is not another store in this town that could have an article like this WITHOUT a SINGLE dissatisfied customer comment!
SMC
Fri, Jan 6, 2012 : 11:53 p.m.
The service and expertise found at Stadium Hardware are beyond compare. If they don't have what you need, and/or can't explain how to install or repair it, then you can probably live without it.
G2inA2
Fri, Jan 6, 2012 : 11:53 p.m.
P.S. We all know Mike is most likely fishing down in the Florida Keys working on new fish stories! :)
Freddy Rosenthal
Fri, Jan 6, 2012 : 11:43 p.m.
Great news! Stadium Hardware always has the answers that I need.
Jeff Renner
Fri, Jan 6, 2012 : 11:36 p.m.
I agree with all the comments here, and want to add that it is wonderful that despite hardware stores often being a male bastion, they always treat women without a hint of condescension. And all of the skilled tradesman's (tradesperson's?) trucks parked in the back are a testimony to what the pros think of the store. I've been shopping there since the late 60's when it was owned by two older gents, and have always appreciated each expansion. I measure how big a D-I-Y project by how many trips I make, but I always start a ticket so I don't have to pay each trip. That's another convenience. And Mike's often got me out of trouble I've got myself into. It is a real treasure for Ann Arbor!
Jim Pryce
Fri, Jan 6, 2012 : 11:20 p.m.
Stadium Hardware is the best store in Ann Arbor, & Congdon's Ace is the best store in downtown Ypsilanti.
Mark Mayne
Fri, Jan 6, 2012 : 11:04 p.m.
We would like to thank everyone personally for giving Stadium Hardware their wonderful comments. We appreciate your business and loyalty. We will continue to do our best to serve your needs through out the future. From all the staff at Stadium Hardware, thanks again. Mark, Skip and Mike
andys
Fri, Jan 6, 2012 : 11:02 p.m.
I agree with everyone else, this is the best hardware store I have been in. Mike always makes sure I have what I need, and how to work with it. He has so much practical knowledge, he is truly responsible for making this store great. Thanks Mike!!
Jack
Fri, Jan 6, 2012 : 10:14 p.m.
Whoo hoo!
A2K
Fri, Jan 6, 2012 : 9:58 p.m.
Very happy to hear business is good! Stadium Hardware was my Mom's favorite store, she'd pour over doohickies for hours , plotting and planning, and we'd have to almost physically drag her out. All the advice I've gotten from employees over the years has been golden, thanks folks.
Lou Velker
Fri, Jan 6, 2012 : 8:38 p.m.
There is only ONE hardware in Ann Arbor! Stadium Hardware. You guys are the greatest!
thudski
Fri, Jan 6, 2012 : 8:35 p.m.
Great news! This store is a gem. Mike has helped me on numerous occasions, once loaning me an expensive plumbing tool that got me out of a real jam - and he didn't even know me then. That's rare customer service. Hope they stick around for at least another 50 years.
Richard Retyi
Fri, Jan 6, 2012 : 7:37 p.m.
LOVE this place. Also a big fan of Jack's Hardware on Packard. Agree with all the rest as well - way better than the big box stores.
EyeHeartA2
Fri, Jan 6, 2012 : 7:30 p.m.
Best Hardware Store Ever These guys will talk you out of stuff you don't need and help you buy the stuff you do. Great, friendly staff. I have been going there for 25 years. They were, are and will always be: THE BEST.
G2inA2
Fri, Jan 6, 2012 : 5:52 p.m.
Love, LOVE, LOVE Stadium Hardware. When I was moving, one of the criteria was that it was close to Stadium Hardware. While going through a divorce several years back, I could go to SH for anything that needed fixing. And I could get a hug, too. It is truly the ONLY hardware store in town! And note, no comments have been deleted from these comments!
4 Fingers
Fri, Jan 6, 2012 : 3:59 p.m.
Congratulations to their expansion! Just a great staff that will go above and beyond when needed. We'll see you soon!
Kevin McGuinness
Fri, Jan 6, 2012 : 3:19 p.m.
This says it all - We're here to help people." he said, "That's the key and that's the goal. And realistically, if you just stick to that, you're going to make a living doing it.". This is the path of success for any business. Not only ae the helpful but you get the feeling that they are happy to help you.
tommy_t
Fri, Jan 6, 2012 : 3:03 p.m.
I've never left the place without what I needed. The black dog makes me look twice every time!
bereasonable
Fri, Jan 6, 2012 : 2:41 p.m.
A true Hardware Store! Always a successful trip, because they will direct you to where you can find what you are looking for if by chance they do not have what will work. Although selling groceries would make Stadium too much like their lesser competion, If they had groceries I would not shop anywhere else! :)
Nick
Fri, Jan 6, 2012 : 2:34 p.m.
Stadium Hardware is one of the best hardware stores in the nation. Ann Arbor has several businesses that are (or should be) nationally ranked and this is one of them. Unlike Zingerman's which is in a business that has national rankings, hardware store do not. But Stadium would be in the top ten if they did. I have been shopping at Stadium Hardware since 1979, when Mike was dating the former owner's daughter. I have watched it grow from one store front to the four it is now. In addition to their service model, their singular focus on hardware drives their success. They do not carry housewares, nor patio furniture. It is hardware all the way. Just hardware and nothing but hardware. If you want hardware this is the only place you need. They stock two scythe blades, and two choices in handles to mate to them! Scythes?!? Yes!
justcurious
Fri, Jan 6, 2012 : 3:42 p.m.
John set the example that we see now. I can still see his smiling face.
Dog Guy
Fri, Jan 6, 2012 : 2:25 p.m.
All of the above . . . and a senior discount . . . and free parking.
actionjackson
Fri, Jan 6, 2012 : 2:23 p.m.
One of the reasons we chose to live where we do is because it's only a couple of minute drive to Stadium Hardware. For those that have even a little mechanical knowledge Skip, Mike, Bob, and the rest of the staff take the time to explain installing what they sell. Customer service at it's finest. Plus you can hear great fishing stories from Mike anytime.
Linda Peck
Fri, Jan 6, 2012 : 2:16 p.m.
I love these guys! They have helped me in so many ways over these past 17 years living in their neighborhood. They are like friends to me every time I go in there. They go the distance. Congratulations Stadium Hardware!
Linda Diane Feldt
Fri, Jan 6, 2012 : 2:05 p.m.
Stadium Hardware is one of the best stores in Ann Arbor, with phenomenal customer service - generous, intelligent, creative, and welcoming. Congratulations on the expansion, I'm so glad you can reinvest in your store. You have my support, my loyalty, and my appreciation for the very significant help I've received over many decades. And my dog is also grateful that you have great dog treats and welcome her as well.
Ron Granger
Fri, Jan 6, 2012 : 1:51 p.m.
LOVE Stadium Hardware. Congratulations on the expansion. I gotta give a nod to Jack's hardware on Packard, next to Sushi Town. Nice little store, and packed. Very handy when you can't make it to SH, and wish to avoid big box at all costs. RIP Ann Arbor's other good stores - Schlenkers, East Ann Arbor Hardware.
f4phantomII
Fri, Jan 6, 2012 : 9:06 p.m.
And Fischer's.
Elaine F. Owsley
Fri, Jan 6, 2012 : 1:43 p.m.
Great!! They have needed more space for a long time and it's going to be fun seeing how they fill it up. I never could figure out how they put so much merchandise into the former footage.
Steve Gorman
Fri, Jan 6, 2012 : 1:22 p.m.
Not only does Stadium Hardware always seem to have what you need, they also have a wealth of practical knowledge which they are willing to share with us amateurs. A couple of questions at the store has saved me countless hours with fewer errors at home. And as a bonus, what you spend there, stays in our community.
jcj
Fri, Jan 6, 2012 : 12:59 p.m.
I can guarantee you there is NOT a better hardware store on the planet! I remember back in the 60's when there was barely room to get around.
WalkingJoe
Fri, Jan 6, 2012 : 12:35 p.m.
I can remember going to Stadium Hardware as a kid with my Dad and uncles and loved being in there because there was so many neat things to see. I am glad to see the big box home improvement stores haven't driven them out of business. Way to go Mark, Skip and Mike. Hope you're around for another 50 years.
justcurious
Fri, Jan 6, 2012 : 12:08 p.m.
Stadium deserves all of the success that it has achieved. In our opinion it is one of the two best hardware stores in the area, Hackney in Dexter being the other one. This expansion will allow them to serve their customers even better.
5c0++ H4d13y
Fri, Jan 6, 2012 : 12:05 p.m.
This is my "go to" hardware store.
misicilian
Fri, Jan 6, 2012 : 11:57 a.m.
I have been to this store many times with a problem - and Mike has taken the time to fashion some device to or create a part that many times would cost pennies. This store is a treasure.
fjord
Fri, Jan 6, 2012 : 11:50 a.m.
Best store — of any type — in Ann Arbor. I don't know what I'd do without them. Glad to hear that business is "great."
motorcycleminer
Fri, Jan 6, 2012 : 11:37 a.m.
A great store run in the mold of old tyme hardwares like Fischers and Schlinkers...If Stadium doesn't have it you probably don't need it.....
hut hut
Fri, Jan 6, 2012 : 2:42 p.m.
Schlenker's
Robad1
Fri, Jan 6, 2012 : 11:29 a.m.
Great store, great staff! I feel like I sneaking out of work when I go there. Best of luck with the addition.
kissthecobra
Fri, Jan 6, 2012 : 11:17 a.m.
This is a great hardware store, the best in the area in my opinion, and they work hard to help their customers. I'll take Stadium Hardware over one of the big box stores any time.