|
Release Date: September 14, 2003
HARDWARE STORE TAKES NUTS AND BOLTS ONLINE
Jordan Cazeault moved quickly
around the corner and into a small office in the rear of his
hardware store in N. Weymouth Ma. The room contained the clutter
of inventory, small stacks of invoices and the computers used
to run his Ace Hardware store. One of those computers had on
its screen an idea that may save Cazeault’s family-owned
business. www.boltdepot.com.
Prior to the opening of a Lowe’s
home improvement warehouse, Cazeault, with the help of a friend,
developed the web site to help his Ace Hardware store offset
the expected loss of foot traffic. Lowe’s is opening a
store in Riverway Plaza, less than a mile down the street, which
officials are hoping will provide a needed boost to the area.
For Cazeault Ace Hardware, which
has been doing business at the same Weymouth Ma. location since
1949, even with Home Depot and Lowe’s stores opening everywhere,
the future now looks promising. "Nuts, bolts and screws
were always our biggest draw, since we stocked a bigger variety
than almost anyone". Cazeault said. "The web site
has expanded our demographics from the 3-5 mile range of a hardware
store, to customers from all over the country". "Our
largest customer base is now in California". "Who
would have imagined that just a few short years ago"?
The main feature of the website
is a simple selection process using images. Customers quickly
find what they need, purchase by the piece, box or any combination
and there is no minimum order. Customers often place orders
costing under $1 but spend up to $25 for UPS next day air in
urgent situations. Small requests are an integral part of the
daily business activity.
According to Cazeault, Bolt Depot
has another mission to perform, besides shipping customers hard-to-find
bronze and stainless fasteners. The company plans to teach employees
financial basics, use open-book management and provide a goal-based
bonus system. Cazeault believes a top-notch business is created
and maintained when employees begin to think like owners and
have a personal stake in the outcome.
For more information on fasteners, including the many styles
and materials available, visit us at: www.boltdepot.com
Contact
Jordan Cazeault
Bolt Depot
286 Bridge St.
North Weymouth, MA. 02043
1-866-337-9888
|
