St. Peters Hardware known for customer service since 1947

By Frank Prager Big Z Media

Combining the knowledge, friendliness and customer service of a traditional neighborhood store with the price, selection and convenience of a modern, leading-edge hardware store has made St. Peters Hardware & True Value Rental the preferred hardware store of generations of families in the area.

The Alton store was started in 1947 by brothers Donald and Virgil St. Peters. Since then it has been renovated and expanded multiple times. A completely new, 12,000-square-foot store was constructed on the site of the original in 1997. Secondgeneration family member

Dale St. Peters along with his son, Dan, currently own and operate the store.

Dan says the secret to the store’s success for over seven and half decades comes down to customer service and staying current.

St. Peters

stands out in a way that creates loyal customers.” He notes multiple generations of the same families have continued to shop at the store over the years.

Hardware & True Value Rental

2502 State Street, Alton 618-466-6931

@stpetershardware

Mon - Fri 7am - 6pm Sat 7:30am - 5pm Sun 10am - 3pm

“We’ve stayed up to date and relevant over the years by carrying the latest products,” he says.

“Also, our customer service

The store carries a broad array of products for home improvement and repair as well as construction and outdoor maintenance. Door, window, electrical, floor, wall and ceiling products for any home can be found on the shelves. Hand and power tools, heating and cooling supplies, housewares, appliances, plumbing, kitchen and bath as well as shelving and storage are just a few of the product areas in the store. Grilling and outdoor furniture are also popular items. In an industry in which technology continues to evolve, St. Peters Hardware stays current by attending conferences and training throughout the year. “We attend industry conferences several times a year,” says Dan. “One of our rules at the store is that if an employee cannot answer a customer’s question, they get someone here who can and then stay as it is explained so they will know it the next time.”

The store provides a wide range of services such as carpet cleaner rentals, paint matching, delivery services, glass cutting and key cutting. Propane is available and the store also sharpens knives and scissors and rekeys locks.

Many types of equipment required for building or repair are also available for rental at the store. Posthole diggers, water pumps, chainsaws, generators and paint sprayers are all available. Larger equipment such as backhoes and bobcats can also be rented. Electrically powered outdoor equipment is gaining popularity. St. Peters Hardware carries a complete line of trimmers, edgers, blowers, lawn mowers and chainsaws in both electric and conventional gasoline models. Dan says their stock of equipment includes Milwaukee, Stihl and DeWalt brands. The business also performs service on the equipment.

During this time of the year, St. Peters Hardware carries everything needed by anyone who enjoys seasonal gardening and outside work. A complete line of garden tools along with mulch, gravel and garden plants are stocked. A variety of grass seed, fertilizers and sprays are also available.

In addition, the store provides rentals for weddings and other special events. They can also provide all the planning and setup services necessary to coordinate the event. Tents of all sizes are available for rent and for large tents, store personnel come out beforehand to survey the location and make sure the grounds and facilities are appropriate. Chairs, tables, linens, glassware and dishes for the occasion can all be rented as well as lighting, fans, fountains, heaters and serving items. The amenities can be custom tailored to any requirements. The St. Peters family looks forward to continuing their family’s legacy well into the future. Dan’s son, Alex, is the fourth generation involved in the business. He currently runs the Edwardsville location.

St. Peters Hardware & True Value Rental is located at 2502 State Street in Alton. They also have a rental store in Edwardsville and a farm, ranch and rental store which opened in Breese in September of 2022. The Edwardsville rental store also carries and services Stihl products. It is located at 804 Southwest Street and can be reached by phone at 618-692-6960. The Breese store is located at 2 North 4th Street. Dan says it is oriented toward farm and