A New Chapter for an Athens Staple: True Value Unveils Its Grand Expansion

You know, some places just feel like home, don't they? For generations of folks in Athens, Alabama, that's precisely what True Value Hardware has been. And honestly, it's not just a store; it’s a bedrock, a place where you can find that one elusive screw, yes, but also a friendly face and perhaps even a bit of neighborly advice. So, when news started buzzing about their big move and even bigger expansion, well, you could feel a quiet hum of excitement ripple through the community.

Because, in truth, after forty-two solid years — yes, you read that right, four decades! — at their familiar spot on US Highway 31 North, True Value is setting off on a brand-new adventure. Their destination? A spruced-up, sprawling space at 1229 W. Market Street, nestled where the old Fresh Market used to be. And mark your calendars, because the grand unveiling, a moment long awaited, is slated for March 11th. It’s a date that, for many, signifies not just a store opening, but a continuation of a beloved Athens tradition.

Now, this isn't just a simple hop across town; this is a serious upgrade. We're talking double the space, going from a respectable 12,000 square feet to a whopping 24,000. Imagine that! More room, naturally, means more... well, more of everything you'd hope for from your trusted hardware store. They're branching out, bringing in a broader selection that includes appliances — because, let's face it, who hasn't needed a new fridge in a pinch? — and an expanded outdoor power equipment section, boasting names like Stihl and Cub Cadet. Oh, and for the grilling enthusiasts among us, prepare yourselves: Big Green Egg and Traeger are joining the party. Pretty exciting, right?

But the expansion isn't just about the flashy new stuff. It’s also about deepening their roots in the essentials. Expect an even more robust selection of Benjamin Moore paint, a deeper dive into plumbing and electrical supplies, and, heaven help us, more fasteners than you could ever possibly need (but somehow always do!). And for our furry friends? Yes, even pet supplies are getting a nod. It’s a testament to listening to what the community truly needs, and then, you know, actually delivering.

At the heart of it all, though, remains the Sanders family. Larry and Judy, the visionaries who first opened those doors back in 1982, are still very much at the helm, with their son Nick now expertly managing the day-to-day. This isn't some faceless corporate entity; it's a family business, deeply ingrained in the fabric of Athens, serving its neighbors with a team of twenty dedicated employees. And that, I think, is why this expansion feels so much more than just a business move. It's a statement, a promise to continue growing, to keep serving, and to remain that welcoming, essential part of the community for many more years to come. And honestly, for Athens, that's just good news.