[J rcEST Top TnEHTERS

Retailer Finds Low Key Means High Traffic

Most store owners want to stand out in their community. Not Zoller Hardware, a 5,000-sq. ft. hardware and gift store that blends in perfectly in Cashiers, a town of 1,000 people in the mountainous, woodsy region of western North Carolina.

Zoller Hardware has a warm, rustic feel, starting with its location-surrounded by the natural woods. A large porch with deck furniture, bird feeders and barbecue grills helps make the store attractive from the outside. The inside features a sizable fireplace, rocking chairs, a 30-ft. high wood-beam ceiling and lofts overlooking the store on both ends.

"The residents here are very conscious of the environment. They want to keep it a warm, quiet community," said Jim Zoller, who with his wife, Paula, built the store in 1994. "This store fits the town's identity much better than a glitzy store with lots of flashy signage."

In the summer, the area's population swells to more than 30,000, and every day many of the tourists are lured into the store.

"We created an outdoor feel and worked hard to blend in with our surroundings," Zoller said. "With no competitors within a one-hour drive, the only mistake we made was not making the store larger."

Injured Woman Sues Lowe's

A woman is suing Lowe's Home Center, Anderson, S.C., after a large wooden door reportedly fell on her head.

According to her husband, Phyllis Kidd was walking down an aisle in 1994 when a 30-lb. door accidentally fell 16 ft. from an upper tier of shelving, knocked her unconscious and "dented her skull."

The woman, who reportedly has been suffering severe headaches for more than two years, is seeking compensation for pain, suffering, disfiguring injuries and medical bills.

Store Grateful For Turnout

A good company appreciates its employees. Home Depot's new store in Johnson City, Tn., even appreciates non-hires.

The store received 2,000 applications for 80 jobs. So, manager Rick Orasi placed an ad in the local newspaper to thank everyone he didn't hire. "I wish we could hire more of them." he said.

Mowers, Tillers To Rebound

Relatively small increases forecast for outdoor power equipment in 1997 won't reverse last year's large declines in all categories, according to the Outdoor Power Equipment lnstitute.

In 1997, walk-behind mowers are expected to grow 3.37o to 5.533 million units; front engine lawn tractors to rise 5.2Vo to 1.182 million units; riding garden tractors to gain 3.9Vo to 201.500 units. and walk-behind tillers to climb 2.2Vo to 322,866 units. Rear engine riders should fall 8.9Vo to 118,400 units.

Slightly better sales are forecast for all categories in 1998. Overall sales fell nearly l2%o in 1996.

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