The Rise and Sad Decline of True Value Hardware | Full History

In this video, we dive deep into The Rise and Sad Decline of True Value Hardware. From its beginnings as a leading hardware store to its fall, True Value’s story is both inspiring and cautionary. Learn how it became a trusted brand across America, the challenges it faced against major competitors like Home Depot and Lowe's, and the turning points that led to its decline.

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[Spike-mp]

My uncle owned a true value hardware store back in its heyday. I remember the aluminum Christmas trees with the light wheel and the great brands that you don't find anymore. There really was something very special about these community stores.

[CAROLDDISCOVER-]

If they're gone I haven't noticed it. But I know that the parent company is still around

[kdyou]

Our local hardware store used to be a True Value store but not too long ago changed into an Ace Hardware. To be honest I liked the True Value version better.

[donnaguy]

That photo of the CEO is NOT Chris Kempka, it's John Hartmann, the prior CEO who went to Bed, Bath & Beyond. I saw a few other innaccuracies in this video as well. I have been with True Value since 1973, in the corporate office & my father joined in 1968.

[edramirez]

I always liked the local hardware stores. You can go in and get what you need instead spending a half hour looking a bracket at a big box store.

[RalphWitkin]

I was a True Value member/dealer from the mid 60's until 2014 in both Calif & NY

[zxdeopl]

We had 3 stores within 5 miles of our house, by 2000 they are all gone. We have several Ace Hardware, and Menards, as well the other 2 big chains. Not sure how many Hardware Hank stores there are. There is or was also Coast to Coast. We used to have both Handy Andy as well as Builders Square.

[sardu]

HD and Lowes have bought out many small or mid-size hardware chains, along with larger stand-alone stores. TV tried to do the same but with existing brick and mortar stores. Already in a hole TV tried to use that fatal flaw to their advantage and have the whole collapse in on itself resulting in a stronger and advanced TV chain. The TV network was lacking assets but still drew in on large overhead costs, such as physical plant and advertising which would not support their business model. Had it come about in the pre-Internet world it might have lasted long enough to capitalize and survive.

[mikebrzostowski]

A sad day when the local hardware store is s thing of the past. I can walk into my True Value I am met by sales person, asked how they could help and in 5 mins. I am out the door. I hate the "big box" stores. Avoiding them ASAP!

[mushethecowboycook]

And how did the deal work with the private equity company? Like always with private equity deals, BANKRUPTCY!!!

[corybaldassaro]

@26:34 thats John Hartman the old CEO. Kempa is bald, lol

[TheFas]

That was not Chris Kempa at the end of the video. That was John Hartman. 😅

[themagus]

Look at the rise and fall of Sears. They began as a catalog company and died as a department store. I predict that Amazon will have to open actual stores to keep its sales going. This is because no one can shop for EVERYTHING without some sort of help or assistance. People will flock to a new business model based on service again, especially because today's youth will have had no idea about personal service. Someone somewhere will capitalize on this and get rich.

[rss]

this was poorly written. didn't like how they talked down about the folks that have worked hard at building their own businesses.

[marcuswalton]

Did True Value compete avec Ace Hardware?

[misterhat]

Both No Value and Ace have highway robbery prices. That's not helpful to keep return customers.

[dimitriberozny]

I wonder how many BILLIONS of a kickback did Chris Kempa receive?!!! AND HOW MUCH MONEY HE STOLE?!!!

[wonyankeesays]

No sympathy from me, , grossly overpriced and rude unknowledgeable employees

[guineapigzed]

This is terrible.
Put to sleep at 1:56.

[fredtotal]

The decline of True value began when John Cotter's son Dan Cotter was in charge. I owned a True Value store from 1980 to 1998. I watched it happen. Dan Cotter was a punk!