Why Small Businesses Matter: Wilton Hardware

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Why Small Businesses Matter

Shop small, do big things for your community

Why Small Businesses Matter puts a spotlight on the local merchants who donate their time, talent, goods, and services for the betterment of our community. The shop local movement spreads virally as local businesses who are “tagged” have the opportunity to share their story!

You're IT Wilton Hardware!

Four questions with Tom Sato, owner of Wilton Hardware.

Why did you start your business?

Wilton always used to have a local hardware store, but in 2011 it closed. As a long-time Wilton resident, I felt the loss of no longer having the local store. I realized that the need for a local hardware store was real and so I began researching the opportunity. After a few twists and turns in the process, Wilton Hardware opened in October 2012 greeted by Super Storm Sandy two days after opening.

What is your best-selling product/service?

Light bulbs are our largest selling product item, which originally surprised me. You realize why when you think about the number of light fixtures in a typical house, plus there are so many different versions of light bulbs, in addition to the evolution from the original incandescent light bulb to halogen to LED versions. Lawn & Garden is another key selling product area for items like fertilizers, garden hoses, garden tools, wheelbarrows, and potting soils.

How many local businesses do you use to support your business (products and services) and can you name them?

We try to use as many local businesses as possible: from our bookkeeper - SR Business Services; accountant - Topstone Financial; IT service - G-3 Systems; security alarm monitoring – Untangled; Insurance – Karen O’Brien of State Farm; to truck maintenance – Wilton Auto and Tire.

Have you "reimagined" your small business?

We are always trying to stay ahead of new product trends and looking for new items to carry. As an example, when we started the store there were no LED lights. Now we sell LED light bulbs, we’ve changed the flashlight and task lighting sections and we are changing over the bulbs we use to light the store. So, we’re looking for new ways to do business with either products or processes to help keep us relevant to our customers.

Wilton Hardware is located at 21 River Road in Wilton. Visit Wilton Hardware online here, and make sure to check out their Facebook page as well!

HamletHub thanks Fairfield County Bank for making our Why Small Businesses Matter series possible!

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Submitted by Wilton, CT

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