|
In 1876, in the downtown core of Windsor, Nova Scotia, a small hardware store, Wilcox Bros. Ltd., was established. It was here on the corner of Water & Gerrish that Clarence Redden, now retired dealer/owner of Windsor Home Hardware, spent the majority of his long standing career in the hardware industry. Clarence began as a hardware clerk at Windsor Traders in 1945, and remained there for eleven years. In 1957, he worked for Lou Manual at A.M. Bell (Hardware Wholesaler), who later joined Home as a dealer. It was in 1960 that Clarence Redden joined Jim Wilcox, the grandson of the original owner of Wilcox Bros. Ltd., in ownership of this independent hardware store. Clarence and Jim joined the Home Hardware banner in 1975, and became Windsor Home Hardware. Jim retired in 1985. Clarence's son, Jeff Redden joined him in 1993, after graduating from Acadia University with the business degree in 1981. Jeff grew up in the store, gaining retail experience while working summers there as a teenager, and Christmas breaks as a University student. Clarence Redden sold the business to Jeff and retired in 1996. He was a proud recipient of the Golden Hammer Award in 1997 for his 50 years of service in the hardware industry. When Jeff joined his father in 1993, they had intentions of relocating the store because of the limited parking problems with utilizing the old building and a desire to expand and add new departments. On August 23, 1997, they closed their doors, and moved to a former Canadian Tire site. The store at the Fort Edward Mall is three times the size of their old location, with 9,800 retail sq. ft. on the main floor, and 1,800 sq. ft. in their seasonal centre. The character and the charm of the old location were maintained in this location, as an artist completed a 10' x 20' mural of the old store on a wall in the store. "It helps customers make the connection," says Jeff. To this day, Windsor Home Hardware continues the tradition of great service that started so many years ago on the corner of Water and Gerrish in downtown Windsor. Drop by today and see for yourself, and remember...help is always close to home! 
|
About Us 
