Reeves Hardware Renovation

Reeves Gets a New Look

By Tracy McCoy

Planning a remodel can be a big undertaking, but when you start talking about remodeling the busiest store in downtown Clayton it becomes monumental! Pencil was put to paper in 2019, a date of February 8th 2020 was put down as the day it would all begin and changes would be made in almost every department. Changes would include new flooring, some painting, and new fixtures with a whole lot of moving around! The majority of the work would take place while keeping most of the store open and operating while ensuring the safety and comfort of their customers. Easy peasy, right?

To say there were challenges would be a slight understatement! Covid hit and many adjustments to the way a business operates had to be made. Add to the list in paragraph one, keeping employees safe and well. The remodel was scheduled to be done in phases and considering all things, it went relatively smoothly. All employees dug in and worked just as hard as contractors. “I can’t thank our people enough,” said Jeff Reeves. “We are blessed to have such outstanding employees and we appreciate every one of them. Of of our 130 employees we only had 8 Covid-19 infections. Again I credit our staff for their hard work keeping things clean and following protocol.

The first change you’ll see when you walk in the door is the new counters. They were designed to improve flow and make it easier for customers to enter and exit. The new Outdoor and BBQ area is directly behind the point of sale. The gift shop and bridal registry received a new look as well. A couple years back the store added Tuxedo rentals and that is located behind the gift shop. The Reeves Furniture was a large part of the remodel. The upstairs included painting all of the walls and removing and replacing 400 wrought iron banisters. The department was shut down for two weeks while this project was completed to keep customers safe.

The hardware department got all new fixtures and a new line of battery powered equipment. E-go is the industry leader. They even offer a Zero Turn Mower that will run two hours on a single charge. Behind the hardware department you’ll find the all new Gun and Ammo sales area, a gun enthusiast and hunters dream! Upstairs is clothing, accessories, shoes and boots with brands that you know and love. Downstairs there’s more hardware, plumbing and tools.

Reeves hardware company has flown the “Ace Hardware” flag since the 1950’s. Ace Hardware is a wholesale dealer owned coop residing in Oakbrook, Illinois and provides product, marketing, and other retail services to more than 5,000 independently owned stores. Ace has chosen 4 product categories to put a high level of focus on for the coming years. These 4 categories are called Ace’s “famous for 4”. These are (1) Paint with Benjamin Moore Paints; (2) BBQ with Weber, Traeger, and Green Egg; (3) Power Equipment with Stihl and Ego; and (4) Home Restoration with all the various products found to keep your home up to date and preserved! With the exception of the Ben Moore Paint, (paint is exclusively sold at Reeves Building Supply), Reeves on Main did a major upgrade to the 3 of “famous for Four”.

Another new and exciting venture for Reeves is the acquisition of The Summer House in Highlands, North Carolina. Jeff says,”We have a great team up there too and it’s been a great transition. We are updating that store as well.” This is fodder for another article in the coming months.

We must not end here without mentioning the Reeves family and work family’s greatest loss in 2020 and that was the lives of both parents only a month apart. Lewis & Carol are sorely missed by all. I can’t help but imagine them walking into the doors to see what has been accomplished. What a great family and what a remarkable business they’ve built. Another blow last year was the loss of Kyler Page the infant son of Corey and Savannah Reeves Page.

family’s business,” Jeff remarked as we finished our visit. “We know none of this would be possible without this community and we are so grateful.

Reeves has locations in Clayton, Georgia; Dillard, Georgia; and Highlands, North Carolina. Remember, delivery is free and Jeff said, “We might not be Amazon but we will get it there for sure.” You are also invited to visit their newly redesigned website www. reevesacehardware.com. Or stop in when you visit Main Street in Clayton or call 706-782-4253.