Houston-based hardlines co-op Handy Hardware Wholesale submitted papers for their much-anticipated plan of reorganization March 6.

The 1,300-member regional co-op filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy in January. Whether Handy can return to its place as a meaningful and profitable player in the hardware business remains to be seen. This much is certain: What was once $27 million in member equity in Class A and Class B shares has vanished.

Houston-based distributor Handy Hardware will close its Meridian, Miss., distribution center, according to an Associated Press report. 

The Associated Press reported that Handy Hardware plans to close its Meridian, Miss., distribution center Dec. 31, and the state of Mississippi wants to recover $3.6 million in incentives for the project.

The retirement of Houston-based Handy Hardware Wholesale President Tina Kirbie earlier this year marked the end of a 32-year run for the co-op executive. The company’s new leadership, meanwhile, told Home Channel News “everything’s positive and we’re moving forward.”

Kirbie, a 32-year Handy Hardware veteran who began her career as an accounting credit manager, took part in the co-op’s January market in Houston, but in a limited role. 

Ken White arrived at Handy Hardware in May with a clear-cut mandate and straightforward goals. Specifically, get Handy’s information technology program back on track, and put the company on path for growth.

Back in 1961, a group of 13 enterprising hardware retailers pooled together a cool $13,000 to open a warehouse in Houston. 


Their goal was to join together in the collective support of the independent hardware store operator. It’s a concept that continues today at Houston-based Handy Hardware Wholesale, which will be celebrating its Golden Anniversary at its Fall Market later this month in San Antonio.


Much has changed. But much has stayed the same.


The first-of-its-kind Home Channel News list of 50 hardware store all-stars visits stores with southern charm, historic charm and the universal charm of double-digit sales growth. Below, the state-by-state guide winds through Mississippi, Missouri and Montana. 

Members of the Houston-based Handy Hardware co-op received an e-mail message Thursday afternoon from Kenneth White, a partner at consulting firm Tatum, announcing that White will assume the post of CEO.

Several weeks ago, Handy's board of directors hired Tatum to "assess the critical operating, financial and IT related issues currently facing Handy Hardware," according to Thursday's letter. The board voted to accept Tatum's action plan. 

The Home Channel News coast-to-coast and state-by-state search for All-Star hardware stores turns to Louisiana, Maine and Maryland. 

From New York’s Island to the Redwood Forests, the great American hardware store maintains a revered place in the commercial history of these United States. 


On the following pages, Home Channel News editors travel state-by-state to find examples of leading hardware store retailers. To those deserving candidates not on the list — and there are many — we offer this advice as consolation: “Keep up the good work. We’ll get to you eventually.” 


Houston-based hardlines co-op Handy Hardware pointed to sales growth of 4.1% in its first quarter of 2011.

In a statement released Monday, the company also addressed the challenges resulting from its transition to a new computer operating system during the first quarter of 2011.

"We have gotten past the worst of this transition, and our numbers are climbing back up to our historical service level marks," said Tina Kirbie, president.