125-Year-Old Minn. Hardware Store Gets Historical Recognition

MINNEAPOLIS (WCCO) -- A small town hardware store is celebrating an impressive anniversary. Thomes Bros hardware store in Arlington has been open for 125 years.

From the main drag in Arlington, the store front of Thomes Bros blends into the background of small-town Minnesota.

Even inside, it seems the typical home improvement store until you learn how long customers have come here for their hardware needs.

"The fact that it's 125 years is quite an accomplishment," said Joe Thomes, who owned the store from 1953-1990.

A lot has changed since 1889.

The years brought growth both in building and merchandise. Today's store is almost double the size of the original and product fills the shelves from floor to ceiling.

But time has had no effect on one area of the business.

"It's always been owned by the Thomes family," said Dick Thomes, who currently owns the business.

Dick Thomes is a fourth generation hardware store owner. Every day he works alongside his son, Brian.

"I think my dad wanted me to come back and work alongside him and keep this going," Brian Thomes said.

Since Thomes Bros is a family store, there's always a built-in customer base from generations past. On Friday, third generation owner Joe Thomes stopped by to reminisce with family.

"It's easy to get family to stop in here when they come through town," Brian said.

Brian and Dick Thomes believe this close working environment doesn't hurt business. Rather, it strengthens it, and gives the family an edge over the competition.

"I think when you're family you live it," Dick Thomes said. "I think it makes it better business because people care more about it."

"I think there were three other hardware stores when I grew up in this town, and, now, there's one," Brian said.

With a 125-year legacy, this anniversary isn't just about looking back, but also looking to the future.

"Our son has a little boy, and it would be wonderful to see him in there, someday," Dick Thomes said.

On Friday, the Arlington Historical Society recognized the store for its importance to the town.