2023-05-31

Gow’s Home Hardware and Furniture celebrates 175 years in business

BRIDGEWATER – Just to put the Gow's Home Hardware anniversary into perspective. The town of Bridgewater was incorporated 124 years ago in 1899. The origin of Gow's Home Hardware dates back even longer...175 years.

"It's an amazing milestone. We're very excited," said dealer-owner Amanda Fancy.

Founded by Robert Dawson in 1848 and sold to Walter Gow in 1929, Gow's Hardware joined the Home Hardware organization in 1966. Fancy became the dealer-owner in 2012, purchasing the store from her uncle and mentor, Peter Gow. When the store moved in its new location in 2019, bringing together the furniture and hardware stores, Fancy was partnered with Julie Gow, who has since moved on.

A special ceremony was held May 18 in the store with congratulatory messages given by Mayor Carolyn Bolivar Getson of the Municipality of the District of Lunenburg and Mayor David Mitchell of the Town of Bridgewater.

"This is incredibly exciting for the whole region. To have a business like Gow's, 175 years old, it's unheard of. They've been strong for 175 years. They're a great employer, a great community-minded entity that supports other local businesses, sports and service organizations. This is amazing. A huge congratulations to them," said Mitchell, just prior to the ceremony.

During the event, he added. "You're not just a regular business. You're a community partner. You support service clubs, teams, almost everything that happens in Bridgewater, Gow's seem to be a part of that."

To celebrate the event, a special week of savings was held May 18-22 with 175 prizes given away.

Fancy gives credit to her staff and customers for the longevity of the store.

"Our customers are the reason that we are the oldest business in Bridgewater and potentially the oldest hardware store in Canada. They are dedicated and they consistently return," she said, adding that they are one of the founding stores of the Home Hardware chain that now numbers more than 1,000 across Canada.

"As well, our dedicated staff are very important. They are rockstars everyday. Honestly, we would be just another retailer if it wasn't for that personalized service and that extra touch that they give our customers," added Fancy.

The store employs 72 staff members, many of whom have been there for many years, including one that has made it their work-home for 42 years. Another, Sheri Varner, has worked there for 33 years. She is currently the systems manager at the sore.

"What I like about working here is meeting new people," but also seeing the regulars, she added. "You get accustomed to seeing them over the years, so you look forward to chit-chatting with them."

She also enjoys being a part of the store and working with some great people, "The staff here are like family."

Fancy said there has been challenges over the years, such as finding space in their old store located on LaHave Street, as the store continued to grow. Then moving to the new store, there were "lots of bus to work out and I really appreciated the customers for their patience."

Then, of course, there was COVID-19 that hit not long after the move.

"It takes a lot of product to fill our shelves and this floor space, so that became a big challenge for us – trying to source product for our customers. Obviously we were very fortunate to have Home Hardware Stores as a big support system for us during that hard time," she said, adding that at one point, it wasn't unheard of for a customer to wait for a year to get a fridge during that time, but added thankfully that is behind them.

"I want to acknowledge the community and the fact that they have supported us. Every time they come through these doors they're supporting a local business. If they're not supporting us, we encourage them to support another local business because that is so key to keep the community growing and vibrant and keep the money in the community so ultimately ourselves and other retailers support the community," she said.

Looking ahead, Fancy said that she is just looking forward to recovering from the last few years after fighting through the many challenges.

"We just want to try to get back to what we know and love, which is servicing our customers and supporting our staff and community," she said. "That is our focus and that will never change."

Fancy said her favourite part about being involved in Gow's and retail in general...

"I would say. It's a passion, it's a drive. So proud to be part of the community, to be part of this great store and to be given the opportunity for us to continue to support and be supported by the community. It's a great feeling," she said.