Six years. Yep, it has been six years. It is hard to believe but the reality is, this month it is six years since my family acquired Eagle Hardware. To this day I ponder my mental judgment at the time but, in all seriousness, am convinced purchasing Eagle Hardware was one of the best decisions I’ve made in my adult life. Yes, it has taken much more work than I could ever have ever imagined but to see where we’ve come does make me appreciative to our customers. For without you, we certainly wouldn’t be where we are today. Now, before you go and pat yourself on your back for all the business you’ve done with Eagle these six years, let me remind you of who you are.
As I kid, to this day, I still remember the signs, “No shoes, no shirt, no service.” I also recall wondering why patronizing a store dressed as such would be a big deal. Please, I wondered that NOT because of my east Texas upbringing (thinking shopping like that would be just fine) but because I could not imagine anyone shopping like that. Guess what? Not only do I know who shops like that (insert James’ name) but I also know why that sign exists; which brings me to my advice for the month.
There is something about a regular customer walking in the door with only flip flops, shorts and a ball cap on to realize why those signs are so valuable. James (you didn’t just read that name) the world does NOT need to see your hairy belly and clumps of mud on your knees. Nor do they need to see the trails of mud you left behind the PVC aisle for me to clean up. But there’s more of you out there. You know who you are. BUT, want to know something else, I am appreciate of each and every one of you. I know you make a choice to shop here and I appreciate every one of you. So please, come on and we’ll see you soon. Don’t mind the, “No shoes, no shirt, no pjs, no loose dogs peeing in the store, no spitting, no climbing on the shelves, no stealing the toilet paper from the bathroom, and certainly no asking would you sell my hand knit pocket protector” sign hanging on the front door. Everyone is welcome!
It is with that true appreciation of you, we do what we do here. I thank you for your compliments on our covered entrances, and the addition to many of the new items in the store. It is a joy to be here and we look forward to our future as our community grows and you grow with us. Soon you’ll see a new barn out back and we’ll be adding additional items such as more feed, steel, lumber and more. Too, I look forward to hosting this year’s Christmas Eve at the Hardware Store.
Thanks for reading and we’ll see you soon!
Shawn