Carr Hardware's Bart Raser shakes hands with Joseph Scapin Jr., owner of Lee Hardware. Carr is purchasing the neighboring hardware store and Scapin will stay on to manage the transition.
Carr Hardware Expanding With the Purchase of Lee Hardware
Lee Hardware has been in business since the 1940s and will continue as True Value store.
LEE, Mass. — Carr Hardware announced on Monday that it expects to close on its acquisition of Lee Hardware on Sept. 27.
Carr Hardware will continue operating as Lee Hardware True Value with no interruption in service.
In business since the 1940s, Joseph Scapin Jr. has owned and been running the Lee store since 1991 and will stay on to ensure a smooth transition.
"In making this decision, it was important that the qualities I value for my employees, customers and community continue. I am confident that uniting our two family business legacy will do just that. It has been an amazing 30 years with the support from the community and employees of Lee Hardware," Scapin said. "I am honored to have served your families and businesses over the years and am looking forward to some new life adventures, including seeing you while shopping at the store."
The store will retain management, store personnel, and shoppers will still find brands like Benjamin Moore, Scotts, Weber, Husqvarna and more.
Down the street, Carr Hardware will also continue to operate a sister location. With plans to increase and differentiate products in both hardware stores, customers will have a broader range of shopping opportunities, said Carr Hardware President Bart Raser
"I have enormous admiration for Joey, Courtney and their family's business. We have been respectfully competing for 80 years. They run a great community focused store with strong brands and friendly local folks — both of which will continue," he said. "Leveraging our strengths, the amazing staff and expanding the business will bring more offerings, a well-organized shopping experience, and even better pricing."
Carr Hardware has been in business for nearly a century. It was purchased in 1962 by the Raser family and now has stores Pittsfield, Lee, Lenox, Great Barrington, North Adams and Springfield and in Avon and Enfield in Connecticut.
It was named the National Independent Small Business of the Year in 2017; National LED Retailer of the Year in 2016; featured on CBS' "Undercover Boss" and has been voted Best of the Berkshires 23 years in a row. More information about Carr Hardware is available at: www.carrhardware.com.
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Lt. Governor Driscoll Visits Great Barrington Businesses
By Brittany PolitoiBerkshires Staff
Lt. Gov. Kim Driscoll, Housing Secretary Ed Augustus and state Rep. Leigh Davis are ready to chop wood out back of Pleasant and Main.
She was glad to see an array of small-business owners thriving, and the eclectic items that Great Barrington has to offer.
"We know that the vibrancy of communities can often be defined by what's happening on Main Street," she said.
"It's great to be here in Great Barrington and see so many independent entrepreneurs who are running really, not only fun, but businesses that are doing well, and we want to try and find ways to uplift and support that work moving forward."
State Rep. Leigh Davis coordinated a business tour with Pleasant and Main Cafe and General Store, Robbie's Community Market, and Butternut Ski Mountain. While downtown, Driscoll also stopped at Coco's Candy and Rob's Records and Audio.
Earlier that day, the Healey-Driscoll administration announced $33.5 million in federal CDBG funds at the Housatonic Community Center. Great Barrington, in conjunction with Egremont and Stockbridge, has been allocated $ 1.25 million to rehabilitate approximately 14 housing units. A new Rural and Small Town Housing Choice Community designation for its Housing Choice Initiative was also launched.
Davis emphasized the significance of the state announcing these dollars in the small village of Housatonic.
Craig Bero, founder of Pleasant and Main, prepared desserts and hors d'oeuvres for the group at his cozy cafe across the street from the Housatonic Community Center. Bero opened more than a decade ago after migrating from New York City, and Pleasant and Main offers sustainable, organic meals for an affordable price while enjoying the museum of antiques that is the restaurant.
Third-grade students in Brandon Boule's art class at Lee Elementary School showcased a diverse selection of men's apparel at Zabian's Clothing, located at 19 Main St.
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State Secretary of Housing Edward Augustus visited Berkshire County on Tuesday to hear about the region's needs and see opportunities for adding more units. click for more
The Wildcats marched 84 yards in a drive that consumed 11 minutes, 17 seconds of the third quarter for a critical touchdown in a 48-36 win over Boston’s Cathedral High in the quarter-finals of the Division 8 Tournament. click for more
The Norman Rockwell Museum will showcase two new collections on Saturday: one highlighting a local artist and the other exploring publications from the Jazz Age. click for more