Biz of the Week: Agnew & Tayler Hardware

Conventional wisdom as of late says big box stores like Lowe's and Home Depot seem to have all but rubbed out small hardware stores. Agnew & Taylor True Value Hardware, a neighborhood fixture for over a century in Lake Ronkonkoma, defies this theory by offering personal service and knowledgeable advice you won't find anywhere else.

Agnew & Taylor traces its roots back to 1888 when Willis Hallock opened a general store on the corner of Hawkins Avenue and Portion Road. In 1914, the store was purchased by James Agnew, who partnered with his brother-in-law Ike Taylor, giving rise to the store's name, Agnew & Taylor.  The current owners, the Webers, have been running the store for the past 26 years.

The Webers take great pride in preserving the store's long history by keeping the building as original as possible. Walking into the store, which has historical status, is like taking a step back in time. The floorboards are original, creaky, and faded after over 100 years of wear. The roof is the same one that stood above Agnew and Taylor the men. Rows upon rows of antique wooden drawers store excess inventory. There is even a store mascot, a friendly old mixed breed named Taylor who makes it her business to greet as many customers as possible.

There are very few things you might need around the house that you can't get here.  The store carries an extensive line of hardware, paint, plumbing, electrical, and seasonal items.  A variety of services are offered, including lawn mower tune-ups, propane exchange, key making, screen door and window repair, and glass and Plexiglas cutting. Home delivery is also available. In the unlikely event something you need isn't available, the staff will do their best to find it.   

Agnew & Taylor sells more than just hardware. The Webers boast being the largest distributors of Radio Flyer products on the east coast. The store's window displays are full of Radio Flyer wagons, trikes, bikes, and ride on toys in a variety of colors. Agnew & Taylor offers free assembly on any Radio Flyer wagon or ride on toy purchased at the store and products are available for shipping nationwide.

The store has everything a larger big box hardware carries, minus the bulk prices. When you go there, you pay for convenience, quality and experience. The Webers, who are personally involved in the daily operation of the store, believe these key ingredients have kept the store going strong despite the recent tough economic times. Getting to Agnew & Taylor is also quicker than driving to a larger store and being forced to wait in line. The only downside to shopping here is that you will yearn for the time when friendly neighborhood stores were the rule and not the exception.

Agnew & Taylor is located at 501 Hawkins Avenue.  They are open for business Monday through Saturday from 8:00 am to 6 p.m. and on Sundays from 9 a.m. until 5 p.m.