For three decades, whenever Northern Neck residents have needed a specialized hardware item, whether it's a hard to find plumbing fixture or a half-dozen finishing nails, they've turned first to Allison's Ace Hardware, on Northumberland Highway in Lottsburg.
“I built my business from one person walking in and asking for something we didn't have,” said owner Nancy Fisher.
“Our merchandise constantly changes because our community is constantly changing. We try to carry products that appeal to all tastes and needs,” she added.
The business has registered solid growth over the years, since Nancy and her late husband Ira Allison opened their small hardware store in 1971. After outgrowing their original location, they moved to their present home on Highway 360 - and have continued to grow every year since.
“We knew that in order to provide the best service to our loyal customers, we needed to build a state of the art facility,” Nancy said.
If customers enjoy shopping in the brightly lit and colorful store, it's also due in large part to Allison's large and dedicated staff. The staff includes Stanley Adsit, Greg Allison, Jennifer Allison, Joey Allison, Karen Barnes, Jane Blythe, Eugene Brown, Eddie Clark, Billy Crabbe, Justin Hall, Linda Ketner, Tommy Moss, Steve Steorts, and Faye Stevens.
Employees are always quick to help customers locate an item in the store and load it in their car or truck.
“Customer service is very important to us. We always try to go the extra mile for our customers because we appreciate their support over the years,” Nancy said.
Allison's Ace Hardware makes a strong demonstration of that appreciation each year with “Customer Appreciation Day,” which has become a major annual event in the Northern Neck. The store offers specials throughout the store and customers can sign up to win gifts. The store serves hotdogs and soft drinks and has balloons and activities for kids. This year, Customer Appreciation Day is Saturday, May 10.
Allison's Ace Hardware also operates specialized home service businesses as well. For example, they have a unit that provides installation of storm doors and windows, gutters, and both aluminum and canvas awnings - a business that is growing during the area's construction boom.
Visitors to Allison's Ace Hardware can always find what they need, whether it's something from the large paint department or the spacious lawn and garden section. The latter features an impressive array of garden tools and fertilizer, as well as bird feeders and other decorative items. The paint department has paint for every conceivable need, and provides custom color matching.
All in all, it keeps Nancy very busy throughout the day, but it's clear that, from the top down, Allison's Ace Hardware is indeed a labor of love.
“For me, I like working with people and getting to know our customers. I'm a people person, and I think all of our employees are people persons,” Nancy said.
Just one of the many reasons you'll like shopping at Allison's Ace Hardware.
