I have been wanting to write about this next business for a while now. I heard about this unique business back a few years ago when I heard on the news that the owner was going to have to put it up for sale after being in his family since 1922. You can see that news story here. Sadly this owner passed away while it was still for sale but it has been rejuvenated in the past year by his niece and great granddaughter of the original owner Sterling Moffett. I asked Natasha to share some of the history and story behind her family’s store and how she came to be a part of it. Here is her story behind Moffett’s Hardware Store in Sussex, New Brunswick:
The store started by my great grandfather in 1922 (Sterling Moffett), my grandfather (Dave Moffett) ran the store after that, then my uncle Don ran the store for years too, all 3 of them received the golden hammer for 50 years of Hardware business
Thanksgiving weekend in 2016 my aunt approached me to tell my that Don had suffered a stroke and wanted to know if I’d be able to come in a few hours a week to help him. On the following Wednesday I started back to work which was the same day I learned that Don didn’t have a stroke but in fact had brain tumours. He passed away the following January at the age of 69. So for the year of 2017 the store was run by our Manager Gary Singer who retired December 31 of 2017 at the age of 70. Which was when my aunt asked me to take over. During the year we accomplished a lot of goals that I had for the store, we painted the front, cleaned and oiled the floors (which we used to do every long weekend but hadn’t been done in over 14 years), we rearranged some aisles without losing the feel of the store which is a goal of mine, to update without losing the feel of the store or the way we do business. I had our first logo designed by a local artist Jessie Jenkins (which is our profile picture), we were featured on CTV news, I take a lot of pride in decorating our store windows especially for Remembrance day.
We won “small business of the year” from our chamber of commerce, this is what they said about us (Moffett’s Hardware has been a family business for many years. If you can’t find it at Moffett’s you don’t need it. They have carried a wide variety of hardware and everything else for many years. The basement carries many old treasures no one could find a part for anywhere else. Three generations of Moffett’s Sterling, Dave, and Don have each been honored by the hardware industry for over 50 years of service. Possibly the only 3 generation set of Gold Hammers in Canada. After Don’s passing Brenda struggled to keep the business going. A niece Natasha stepped up and took on the everyday business duties plus rejuvenating and updating the store. Together Brenda and Natasha are keeping this important business alive and well in our community. When you step back and look at the business community in our area, many businesses have come and gone, but there is one business that has remained and many look upon this business as a staple in our community fabric. Ladies and Gentlemen, please acknowledge this years winner……..Moffetts Hardware!)
Natasha is 4th from the left accepting this year’s award for “Small business of the year” in Sussex, NB
Natasha and her gram who also worked at the store and would entertain her while her parents shopped.
Love the store and people you can still get glass cut to size there
yes, I liked learning about their different services!
Thank you for writing about this exceptional store and Moffits. They bring so much to this community. Love the store, atmosphere, the servive ..the everything about this store. They are a model to how businesses are successful. Congratulations. You are #1.
I agree!
Though articulate as a writer, I am hopeless when it comes to hardware. Yet, I could go in and say to Don, “I don’t know what you call it, but…” and after semi vague descriptions and many hand signals, he always knew what I needed. Moffett’s is a cornerstone of the community that will even open at 7am in the dark, and hand write your receipt because nobody has power but we all need winter storm supplies.
Beautiful! I don’t have the writing skills but like to tell these stories! Thank you!
I love this store, my husband who passed in 2016 , always made a point to stop and look around. I still enjoy going in and seeing what’s new and you have everything one needs. The history is amazing.
My husband was born and raised in Pollett River, so he loved the company store and spend many hours there as a young boy. L. Fletcher
Thank you for your story!
You could find just what you were looking for at Moffets. My dad was buying there back in the thirties. (Bannisters Garage ). I drop in every summer, great family. Barbara.
I’m sure they appreciate your support! Thank you!
Praise well deserved. Moffat’s is a huge part of what makes Sussex such a unique place to be. Congratulations on your award.
Agreed!
I love going into Moffett’s, the store has so many unique things and the staff are wonderfully knowledgeable. It is like taking a step back in time in one way with how they have chose to merchandise with everything so visible and excessible. So pleased it is staying as a many generational family business. Thanks for sharing this article. All the very best for many more successful years!
yes, I loved their personal service and great they can keep going!
Love this store.Was looking for the old fashion griddle and found them here so bought one for each of my four children.Encourage shoppers from the area to stop in and support this vintage establishment.Great place to buy gifts or anything you might need. Wonderful to have such a historic business in the lovelylittle town of Sussex, N.B.
Great to know! Thank you!