Blackhawk Hardware opens renovated basement in latest expansion plans in Charlotte
Blackhawk Hardware, the family-owned and “mismanaged” local ACE hardware store, has reached a milestone in its expansion plans. You may remember this exciting tidbit that we previously reported on: A red, spiral slide will take customers from the top floor to the basement. While there is no slide (yet), customers can now browse the renovated walk-out basement sales floor.
Other renovations, including the famous slide, woodshop viewing area and remote-controlled model train, are still in the planning phase. The 12,000-square-foot expansion, which first began in the fall of 2019, is now expected to be complete by spring 2021.
In the meantime, customers can peruse the relocated automotive, electrical and plumbing departments on the lower level of the store. The tool, lawn and garden departments, including the “aisle of death” for weed killer and pest control, are in the process of relocating to the lower level.
The lower level also features a new entrance to the store in the Park Road Shopping Center, for customers who park in the back lot to have easy access to the store. The lower level can be accessed through a newly installed elevator or staircase in the middle of the store.
“Though the store expansion is still a work-in-progress, we’re excited to welcome customers to our new downstairs space,” Andy Wilkerson, co-owner at Blackhawk Hardware, said in a statement. “It’s the same Blackhawk they know and love, with more fun products and aisles to explore.”
Eventually, the basement will feature more than just merchandise. Of course, there’s the slide that will run from the main level to the lower level, and a model train will travel across the basement ceiling.
“We look forward to growing our team and keeping up our reputation as the most fun hardware store in the world,” Craig Anderson, general manager at Blackhawk Hardware, said in a statement.
