Interest in new hardware store astounds owner
Staff writer
Overwhelmed, surprised, and excited are just a few words future Marion Ace Hardware owner Kent Carmichael of Ulysses used to describe the response to his store’s preparations to open in the former Seacat building off U.S. 56.
According to City Administrator Roger Holter, dozens of people from all across the state have inquired about employment at the new store. An initial printing of 25 applications were gone by Thursday night.
“We’re both surprised and astounded by the response,” Carmichael said. “The amount will make the hiring process harder because we’re not used to getting that many applications.”
Carmichael said the response he has received has been more than that for his three other stores combined.
“I’m really looking forward to opening,” he said. “We really need to be there.”
Holter said the buzz about the new store is not just that people needed jobs; it also was that people were excited about finally having a new hardware store in Marion.
“I think it’s a combination of both,” he said. “I have many who have told me they like the idea that the store will be more than a hardware store.
“People are excited about it and asking what it will be like and asking me where they can get more information about what the store will finally be like. It will be a great addition to the town.”
Because of delays getting product to the store the projected opening has been pushed back from Feb. 1 to March or April.
“Once we get those things ironed out, we should be able to move quicker,” Carmichael said. “People here are cooperative and helpful. It’s the people outside of town that have not been.”
Carmichael plans on stocking RV and boating items in their store for people who enjoy utilizing county lakes.
Last modified Jan. 9, 2014