For over 150 years, Herrick Hardware has cemented its title as a Hamptons home staple. Here, manager Stefanel Grigoras gives us a rundown of the brand’s history, community impact and summer items you don’t want to miss.
CAN YOU TALK US THROUGH THE BRAND’S HISTORY IN THE HAMPTONS?
Herrick Hardware has been in the Hamptons since 1865—it’s become a pillar of Southampton. When it comes to businesses or companies that represent the Hamptons, I think Herrick Hardware would definitely be one of them. Being so old, people rely on us and come to us for all different home project needs. We even have customers that think of Herrick’s as a place to meet and talk with other homeowners in the area. We represent the older values of helping customers with their projects and giving them a hand—basically giving them whatever information they need before they leave our store.
WHO FOUNDED THE STORE, AND HOW HAS THE COMPANY EVOLVED WITH THE DIFFERENT GENERATIONS?
Allegedly, back in 1865 (there’s kind of talk about whether it was 1869 or 1865), right between North Main Street and Main Street, there was a house, and inside, there used to be a general store. Henry Foster Herrick was an apprentice at the store, and he eventually bought himself into the business and moved it to Main Street. Our current location has been here for over 150 years.
Since then, it has been passed on from family to family. Now, Deborah Hare (originally a Herrick) and her husband, Noel Hare, own the business and have kept the family name going. They are planning to retire soon and are trying to pass it on to someone interested in keeping the legacy and spirit of Herrick Hardware alive.
WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE PART OF YOUR JOB?
I’ve been with the company for the past 13 years. My favorite part of the job is the reaction from customers when we provide them with good (and honest) expertise. I love when they come back after finishing a project and tell me, ‘Hey, you know that thing that you sold me—it actually works, and I’m so happy I bought it!’ That’s the biggest part for me. It makes all of us at Herrick’s so happy when we see customers answer back with kindness, with the same attitude and reaction we have with them.
HOW HAVE YOU SEEN THE HAMPTONS COMMUNITY SUPPORT THE STORE OVER THE PAST FEW YEARS?
For one, we have a ton of returning customers. Once customers come in, they like how we treat them, our prices and the overall experience. It’s not about the money or the speed you can help someone here; it’s about the experience they will remember. The customer will never forget you when you’re kind, and they will always remember when you’re not kind, so we try to remain in their minds and souls with our kindness and the way we treat everyone. I think it helps us a lot because in this day and age, when everyone buys everything online, having the community support us and lift our spirits when things are not the best is a huge asset for us. It means so much to the store.
ARE THERE ANY NEW ITEMS OR PROJECTS WE CAN BUZZ FOR THE SUMMER?
We have a lot of items that are reusable and sustainable (an array of products now include recycled plastic from the ocean). We also have many bamboo items to bring to our customers’ awareness to protect the environment. I believe the things that we cannot talk enough about—helping our environment and helping keep our oceans and planet clean—I believe that if we emphasize these items, maybe people will be more open to these various options.
FINALLY, WHERE CAN WE FIND YOU OUT AND ABOUT ON THE WEEKENDS?
I’m either having a stroll in Sag Harbor or Southampton with my baby daughter and wife, or I will walk around my neighborhood and relax. Maybe even have a drink on the patio! 41 Main St., Southampton, herrickhardware.com
Photography by: PHOTO COURTESY OF BRAND
