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Source : Bradford Gazette
Media Type : Newspaper Article
Physical Description :
Circa : 1988
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Municipality :
Community : Bradford
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Description : Bradford's HOME HARDWARE marked its 'official' grand opening in their new building, Wednesday, April 20, 1988. The first 45 patrons through the double doors received a complimentary grab bag valued at between $15.00 and $20.00. Children were drawn to the fish pond where, with a little bit of co-ordination and luck, they left with a free goldfish. Mayor Bill dePeuter was on hand for the "chain cutting" ceremony. An estimated 1,500 visited the store and took advantage of the many in-store grand opening specials. Mr. Jim Schaefer has been owner/dealer of the Home Hardware franchise since the first store opened in Bradford, ten years ago. Jim is a fifth generation descendant in the hardware business. His wife, Elsa, and two children, Holly and Jim Jr. are working hard to keep the 'family business' tradition alive. The new premises, which encompasses an area of approximately 15,000 sq. ft. is located on Dissette Street across from the Bradford Car Wash. Complimenting the additional floor space (previous sq. footage 5,200) is a larger line of general hardware items, an extended line of Beautitone pains, bigger selection of bikes, a full range houseware and giftware items and a newly added Bath and Accessories Department, complete wth shower stalls, cupboards, etc. An additional 16 employees help to keep the store running smoothly. Extended hours have made the store more accessible to its patrons.