Winchester True Value Hardware is the oldest operating business in Whitewater, WI, serving the community and surrounding area for over 152 years. Forty-six years ago, Steve Johnson began working at Winchester True Value Hardware, while attending the University of Wisconsin – Whitewater. Three years after graduating Steve purchased the store and began his dream of running his own hardware store.
Steve’s heritage is rooted in the hardware business, growing up and working in his parents’ family business, the Village True Value Hardware in Western Springs, IL. Combining the business acumen learned at UWW and skills and knowledge acquired at his family business, Steve applied it to Winchester True Value Hardware, expanding the business into the successful enterprise it is today.
Under Steve’s leadership and direction, the business outgrew the downtown location and moved in 1995 to its current location, 1415 W. Main Street. The store expanded in every product category, and added a rewards program, full rental program, and a greenhouse. To the delight of the customer base, the store began selling chicks every spring.
As Steve and the business grew, his team grew with him with many working side-by-side for decades. Steve and his team offer product knowledge, repair insights, and hands-on assistance. As a pillar in the community, Steve and his team have made lifelong friends among the large customer base, counting these customer relationships built as the true measure of success. As an active participant in the community, Winchester True Value provides many philanthropic services to the community to support fundraisers and community events, as well as the University, local high schools and numerous other organizations including the Lions Club, churches, farmers market, and boy and girl scouts.
After serving as its owner/manager for 42 years, Steve is pleased to report that Winchester True Value Hardware has been purchased by Niemann Foods, Inc. (NFI), and will continue as a hardware and rental location. NRI is an associate-owned company whose retail establishments include several Ace hardware stores in the greater Madison area. Though it is not known whether the Whitewater store will continue to bear the Winchester name, it will change to the Ace brand.
“I sincerely thank all of our customers and employees for their business and their loyalty,” stated Steve. “As I contemplated retirement, I wanted to be sure that the Winchester True Value’s legacy that has been built over the last 152 years continues with an organization that values community and its people. I look forward to retirement knowing that the Winchester True Value is in good hands.”
Steve Johnson told the Banner that the last day of operation under his ownership is this Friday, September 9. Meanwhile all “private label” merchandise is being offered at 50% off. These are items that indicate they are distributed by the True Value company, which may be shown in fine print. The store will be closed on Saturday, and is expected to reopen under the Ace name on Sunday. Steve indicates that he’s looking forward to having more time for bicycling in the city and surrounding areas.
Editor’s note: We appreciate that Steve Johnson provided most of this article for The Banner.
