Seacats announce plans for lumber yard
Hardware store to become home center
Staff reporter
Plans have been finalized by Seacat Do it Best Hardware at Marion Business Park, to expand the business to include a full-service lumber yard.
According to owners Brad and Anita Seacat, plans had been in the works for several months before being finalized by all parties.
The business recently changed from providing True Value merchandise to Do it Best.
"Mainly, we changed because Do it Best is a lumber cooperative and True Value isn't," said Anita. "Also, it is the largest hardware store in the country."
With the expansion, the hardware store will become a home center, and will be called Seacat Do it Best Home Center.
Items available will include building materials (lumber, sheet rock, etc.), home improvement materials (sinks, tubs, showers, plumbing supplies, etc.), hardwood flooring, cabinets, and other materials used for do-it-yourself projects.
The couple will continue to be a Husquavarna dealer, and offer items for rent.
Items can be special ordered and delivered to the store at no additional cost to customers, said Anita.
Construction of two lumber sheds will begin in two to four weeks with completion anticipated by mid-May.
"We'll hire two or three new employees," said Anita, who will work part-time to full-time.
The business purchased rock that will be used to prepare the site. A fence and gate also will be added to enclose the property.
"We are really excited about this," said Brad. "We know a home center is something this community wants and needs."
The couple is particularly excited about the new school district project and plans to be "in the mix" for local projects.
As a member of the Do it Best cooperative, the Seacats plan to participate in in-store promotions. Currently, the store is offering a drawing for a $1,000 shopping spree which will be given to a local customer. The drawing will be held May 29.
"We hope this development will encourage other development at the business park," said Anita.
