Although the store has been serving customers for several months, Schmuck Lumber Ace Hardware, located at 615 York St, Gettysburg, is holding its official grand opening this weekend — and the response has been overwhelming.
“We opened the doors at 8 a.m., but by 7:30 the parking lot was already full,” said Landon Rife, co-owner of the store. “This is the biggest event we’ve done, and people really showed up for it.”
The centerpiece of the celebration was the store’s popular bucket promotion: customers received a free bucket and 20 percent off everything they could fit inside, with the exception of power tools and a few other items. Flyers advertising ten specially discounted products helped draw an early crowd, with many of those items selling out quickly.
The grand opening also spotlighted plans for the store’s new greenhouse and expanded garden center, which will be opening in the near future. “We’re really excited,” Rife said. “There’s been steady interest from customers, and the project received strong support from the borough’s Historic Architectural Review Board.”
In advance of the greenhouse launch, the store has already stocked annuals, vegetables, and a small selection of perennials.
Rife also highlighted the store’s equipment sales and services. In addition to a full line of Stihl products, the store also offers maintenance and repairs. “We have a gold-certified technician doing repairs and sharpening—everything from mower blades and chainsaws to scissors and axes.”
Employee Kim Mayers, who was helping customers near the mulch and compost area, said the turnout was strong throughout the day. “We’ve got compost, several types of mulch, potting soil, topsoil, and peat moss,” she said. “It’s been steady all day—and as the weather warms up, it’ll only get busier.”
Mayers said the variety of work is what makes the job rewarding. “Every day is different. One customer might need electrical supplies, another is picking out paint. You never know what you’ll be doing, and that keeps it fun.”
The weekend grand opening continues tomorrow with more special offers.
Charles (Chuck) Stangor is Gettysburg Connection's Owner, Publisher, and Editor in Chief. I would like to hear from you. Please contact me at cstangor@gettysburgconnection.org.