A Phillips Hardware is currently up for the Times Union's Best of 2012 contest. The fifth generation of family-owned Phillips Hardware is now owned by Jonathan Phillips, although Abbott Phillips, the fourth generation, can still be found helping out around the store with finances and day to day operations, says Melissa Congers, Finance Manager.
The store was started in 1886 in downtown Albany and has grown from its original steamfitter and locksmith shop to a seven store chain. The newest store, opened in April 2010, is on Upper Union in Schenectady. The neighborhood is very community orientated, and business enjoys participating in all the events throughout the year. Phillips Hardware believes in giving back to the community, and often participates in local festivals or creates community card programs to help raise funds for local organizations. They are always interested in figuring out ways to help motivate the community to shop local.
"We help sponsor local events like the STRIDE Adaptive Run in June which raises money for children with disability so that they can participate in sport and recreation. We have given seeds to the local community gardens, schools and churches to help teach the children how to grown their own vegetables. Jon Phillips created a program with Friendship Circle that partnered children with disabilities with other kids to help them build bird houses, bug barns and tool boxes. Each year we sponsor the Light in the Park through Albany Police Athletic League and have helped create a program where used bicycles are fixed and cleaned and given to deserving kids in the local area. Jon is very active in his community and has supported the Challenger League in Colonie, which is a special needs baseball program, " says Conger.
What sets Phillips Hardware apart from the "big box" stores is their extra service, community involvement, and high-quality traditional products. They offer “out of the box” services at all seven stores such as small engine repair, window and screen repair, propane, key cutting including serveral of the chip keys, delivery, rental equipment and a commercial program tailored around a company’s specific need.
Recently, they have expanded their product base to include the Carhartt clothing line. "We find that Carhartt is a great product and are glad we can now offer it to our customers. In order to properly showcase the Carhartt line we have remodeled our Colonie and Altamont location to include a showroom of Carhartt. Delmar and Waterford also carry Carhartt within their stores," says Conger. Phillips is also partenering with Stihl to carry their merchandise in our Colonie and Delmar stores.
Jon is constantly changing and adding to his stores to meet the needs of our customers but they consistently provide a wide range of merchandise and great customer service.
Be sure to tune in for the results of the Times Union Contest, and best of luck to our neighbors at Phillips Hardware!
