Chain hardware store Northern Tool + Equipment has popped up in Augusta. The Burnsville, Minn.-based equipment retailer had a soft opening on Saturday, March 12 at its locale at The Apex development, off the intersection where Flowing Wells Road becomes Wheeler Road.
“Northern is always looking for new locations in key markets and Georgia is a major market for us,” said store manager Tyler Claybe.
Before Northern Tool came to the CSRA, the closest site for gear-shoppers who preferred its inventory was Columbia, S.C., and its nearest Georgia location is in the Atlanta area. Claybe says that the store has already received a warm response from a wide variety of shoppers from tradesmen to do-it-yourselfers.
“The reception has been fantastic,” said Claybe. “The customers are excited that they are here. A lot of them have been ordering, either from Northerntool.com or our catalog, for years and they’re excited that they no longer have to drive out of town to visit the store.”
Construction began on the 22,000 square foot store building in spring of last year, and Claybe indicated that COVID-19 led to delays, though by the beginning of January of this year the store started taking hires.
Alongside its proprietary brands NorthStar and Klutch, Northern carries brands such as Stihl and Milwaukee. Claybe says that the Augusta location has already shown certain items to be popular sellers, mainly lawn equipment, pressure washers and outdoor power equipment.
On March 10, the shop held a meet and greet event that saw 100 attendees, Claybe said, mostly current customers who had been invited. The following day it hosted a more intimate celebration for family and friends of associates with a catered dinner. A grand opening has been scheduled after Master’s Week, on April 16.
Northern Tool + Equipment is located at 120 Mason McKnight Jr. Pkwy. For more information, visit its website at www.northerntool.com.
Skyler Q. Andrews is a staff reporter covering education in Columbia County and business-related topics for The Augusta Press. Reach him at skyler@theaugustapress.com.
