Ring’s End – Your Inspiration Their Expertise written By: Karen Singer
Spending more time at home during the Covid-19 pandemic has inspired area residents to spruce up and reimagine their surroundings. “Do-it-yourself projects are definitely on the rise,” says Bill Bolstridge, Store Manager at Ring’s End in Orange. The store opened on June 22nd at 131 Boston Post Road, with all employees, including Bolstridge, from the West Haven store. “We were in West Haven for seven years, but the location wasn’t really working for us,” explains Scott Herling, Ring’s End’s Marketing Director and Manager of Paint Sales. “We always wanted to be on Route 1.” The 5,000 square foot Orange location was formerly occupied by Bedding Barn. Both the property and building were renovated, adding more parking spaces and the building façade was updated, so it no longer resembles a barn. The new space is clean and bright, a perfect environment for choosing paint colors and coordinating décor such as window treatments, area rugs, fabrics, and wallpaper. Although primarily a paint and design center, Ring’s End in Orange is a hybrid concept with a diverse inventory. Along with aisles of paint, brushes, and sundries, you can find lawn and garden items and hardware supplies, including plumbing and electrical. “We have locks and lock sets, basic hand tools and a few power tools,” says Bolstridge. Products not on the shelves in Orange can be purchased online and picked up in the store, according to Herling. WINTER 2020
THE COMPANY’S EVOLVEMENT Founded in 1902 in Darien as a coal and feed delivery service, Ring’s End evolved into a building supply company that is now the largest Benjamin Moore paint dealer in the state. Ring’s End serves Connecticut, South County, Rhode Island, and Westchester County, New York with 9 full-service locations and 10 freestanding paint centers, most with design services. Full-service Ring’s End locations sell lumber, roofing, siding, decking, fencing, windows, doors, architectural hardware, and other building materials. Most have kitchen and bath showrooms as well. Herling believes commitment
to exemplary customer service and requiring employees to complete continuing education courses set Ring’s End apart from competitors. “All salespeople do extra product training in winter,” he says. Not only are they experts on our products and services, they are true examples of our company culture. SUPPORTING THE COMMUNITY As a family owned and operated business, Ring’s End proudly supports the communities where they do business. “We believe in the importance of being active and responsible members of our communities and building
Photo: Courtesy of Rings End
The newly renovated former Bedding Barn building transformed for Ring’s End.
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