SPANAWAY — Today marks the official re-opening of the South End Ace Hardware Store. Loved by many local Spanaway area residents for more than 70 years, the store closed last year after a February snow storm collapsed the roof.

Today, February 12, 2020, the store has re-opened. And in a surprise move, the hardware was sold at the beginning of the month. Former owner, Brian Stead was present today at the store to tell the news that he has retired. He is assisting the news owners, Brian Hutchinson and Tamara Harrison, to get acquainted with the store, the computer cashier system and the clientele. Brian and Tamara are working the cash registers today so you can come out and meet them.

In the 1960’s and early 70’s the store was owned by the Righetti family who sold to Rex and Virginia Stead in 1971. In 1995, Brian purchased the hardware store from his parents. Now Brian Hutchinson and Tamara Harrison will carry on the tradition of Spanaway’s local  small business hardware service.

South End Ace Hardware will open from 8 a.m. to 7 p.m. weekdays, Saturday’s from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. and Sunday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. On President’s Day the store will have holiday hours. They are located at 18707 Pacific Avenue South, Spanaway, WA 98387.

The first customer? Art Rankin, a long time area resident and historian was at the cash register at 8:01 a.m. Donuts and cookies are available to welcome you back and Jim’s U-Fish is expected to bring out his camel later today in celebration.

Welcome back “South End,” we missed you!