Altona Home Hardware was buzzing with activity on May 30 as they celebrated their grand reopening under new ownership.
The Suderman family took the reins at the Altona Mall location six months ago, and family patriarch Henry Suderman said they’ve been growing consistently ever since.
“It’s looking good this far,” he shared. “The response has been awesome. Local ownership seems to be what people want to see.”
When the opportunity to purchase the store arose unexpectedly, Suderman seized it, eager to work alongside his family. His wife Nettie, daughter Emily, and son Jason, who manages the store, all play integral roles in the business.
Suderman emphasized their commitment to customer satisfaction and business growth.
“At this point, we’re listening to what the customers want, and we bring it in. There are some things that have surprised us. Like lawn mowers. We brought mowers in and it’s amazing, and they’re gone.”
He also noted a surge in the paint department’s activity.
“It’s picking up, and we’re happy with the way things are going.”
Responding to numerous customer requests, they recently introduced a reverse osmosis water fill station. Suderman plans to expand this service by setting up a regular delivery schedule.
“We will set up a milk run, per se, and try, at least once a week, to deliver water to whoever wants it.”
The dedication to local customer service doesn’t end there. The store ensures home delivery for any appliance ordered through the company.
Business hours will stay the same under the Suderman family’s ownership.
“But if ever somebody needs something, people know me,” Suderman says. “I’m here for people. I have no problem coming down, unlocking a door, and writing a SKU number down so you can take your sump pump home. We’ll deal with it. And that’s what happens when you know people locally.”
Service remains Suderman’s top priority.
“If you come in here and you don’t get service, I sure hope I hear about it.”
Suderman is a businessman at heart. He’s been the Altona Mall manager since 1997 and has developed a sense of traffic flow and what customers are looking for.
“Most people don’t see what I see. Location for me is huge, because the mall is obviously a good customer of ours. We’re here to stay.”
Home Hardware territory manager Heather Brincheski said, “It’s great when we have somebody who is local, and so committed to the community.”
Referring to their offerings, she added, “As Jason and Henry are learning the Home Hardware way, we’re constantly introducing new products. From trampolines, to paint, to toasters, we’ve got it all. It really is a one-stop shop. Customers have access to over 50,000 items, along with our website, as well. And we’re always bringing in new items that the town needs. And local ownership is so important.”
