In the News
Main Street Merchants |
Main Street Merchants
Bradford’s Ace Hardware is one of the oldest businesses in Hyannis and on Cape Cod. In 1874 President Ulysses S. Grant stood in front of the hardware store to address Cape Codders. The original hardware store was destroyed in a fire in 1892 and then rebuilt in 1893, after which Myron Bradford purchased the business from Alexander Cash, and renamed it Bradford’s Hardware. After Bradford’s death in 1933, a long-time employee, Harry Bearse purchased the business from his estate. Today the business is run by Bearse’s granddaughter Martha and her husband Richard Robinson.
Bradford’s employs 24 year round employees, including Mary King who has worked there for 22 years. Initially Mary took care of the women shoppers, but now the guys seek her out as a reliable source of information.
When Home Depot opened its Hyannis box store in November 2003, many feared the end of Bradford’s. In the first 18 months business was visibly slower. But currently Bradford’s has successfully outlasted 6 other local hardware store closings, and they are back to pre-Home Depot numbers.
They are able to do this in part because they are affiliated with the ACE Hardware co-op, which allows Bradford’s prices to remain competitive. But also because, to many, the customer service at Bradford’s is beyond compare. As one Bradford’s shopper states, “Going into Bradford’s is like visiting family or going home—you are comfortable and cared for the instant you walk in the door.”
Vice President Steve Dager, who has worked for Bradford’s since 1983, attributes the return to the fact that they are in a unique location and “people want the Main Street experience again.” Bradford’s has certainly become an institution on Main Street, an inspiration for local business owners, and a devoted supporter of the Cape community.
