"Edward A. Falk" wrote in message
...
In article , Bob La Londe
wrote:


Master Mechanic is a True Value Hardware brand.

Ahhh, didn't know that.

Another fun fact, learned while chatting with the local hardware
store owner: True Value and Ace are co-ops. They exist to let the
local mom-n-pop hardware stores compete with the big stores.

Don't know if its still true, but there was a limit to the number of stores
you could own and still be a True Value member. Cotter & Co is the main co.
There used to be about 7000 affiliated stores between True Value and V&S
Variety. I think V&S Variety may have been phased out, but for a while our
grocery store was a V&S Variety member also.

Did you know that True Value had its own paint factory at one point also? I
think my dad might still have the paint shakers and the tint dispenser
somewhere.

Cotter & Co did a lot of good for its members. For a long time True Value
stores could get AC Delco parts at warehouse distributor prices. We had a
country hardware and autoparts store with what I have since found is an
impressive selection. Now that I live in town (well, near town) I often
find myself driving all over town for two or three parts that back in the
day I could have bought in one little country hardware store all at the same
time back in the day. Sigh!










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