HARDWARE AND COMMUNITY
H
EQUALS FAMILY
.W. Little and Company Hardware has been a staple of the
Anson County Community for over 125 years. Henry Wal
Little began operation of his eponymous company in 1894
within a frame store. The business would relocate to its current
location on Green Street 12 years later in 1906.
The H.W. Little Building consists of three floors and a basement.
An antique carriage, a remnant of the store’s earlier days, hangs
suspended by wires from the ceiling on the third floor. The second
floor is used for storage. In the basement, you can find relics of the
past such ancient barrels filled with nails and plowing equipment
from the turn of the century. A still-functioning freight elevator
connects all three floors.
In an age where small business are fading from downtowns across
the country, H.W. Little and Company has remained strong.
“We’ve been around a long time because we love Wadesboro.
We’re committed to the people and we’ve made good relationships
with generations of families,” said Carly Little, who is the fourth
generation of the Little family to operate the store
“Our customers always say, I can’t find it anywhere else, but I can
find it here. Sometimes, we might not have this or that, but we
basically have anything you’re looking for,” said manager John Davis.
Davis has been with the company for 12 years now and he accredits
it’s continued longevity to outstanding customer service. “You got to
have good customer service. We relate to our customers. They’re like
a part of our family,” said Davis. around the area like Kristy’s Creations and Bountiful Harvest Farm.
They also host a Pool Luau every other year.
“We’ve done a good job of forming lasting relationships that have,
in turn, helped keep us open,” reiterated Little who adds, “Isn’t that
what does it in a small business, the relationships you build with
people? The connections you make and knowing everybody by
name?” Marek, Executive Director of Anson Economic Development
Partnership. The class teaches attendees how to best take advantage
of limited space when it comes to gardening. This method was
developed by Mel Bartholomew.
H.W. Little and Company takes great pride in providing
personalized service that you just can’t find in big box stores.
“Oftentimes people bring in a plumbing project and we lay it on
the counter and work through it hand in hand with the customer,”
said Little. “We also know where everything is. I think sometimes,
in bigger stores, you have to get the right person in the right
department.”
A healthy mix of homeowners, contractors, and commercial use
makes up the bulk of the store’s customer base. Plumbing, plants,
and paint are among their biggest sellers. In the summertime, they
also service swimming pools and sell pool chemicals. The demand
for vegetable plants begins in Feb. “As far as the garden, seed, and all
that jazz, business for that picks up in April and May” said Little.
H.W. Little and Company hosts a Christmas Open House every year.
The last one was held on Nov. 21, 2019 and featured vendors from
42 • PROGRESS 2020
In addition to that, they also sponsor a course entitled Square Foot
Gardening that is taught by John
H.W. Little & Company hardware has also developed a partnership
with the Anson County Animal Shelter, particularly with older
dogs. This partnership began with a dog named Trooper, “He was
not doing good being in a shelter. He needed field trips,” explained
Little.
Trooper would spend time and visit the store in hopes of finding
it’s forever home. He is now residing in a foster family. Little plans
to host another dog whenever the shelter can find the right one to
come hang out with them.
H.W. Little & Company Hardware is more than just a store, they’re
a family. They have managed to stand the test of time throughout
decades. Their dedication to serving the community, facilitating
and fostering relationships across generations of customers,
and personalized service has endeared them to the Wadesboro
community.