Week 3’s Discussion on Community Plumbing
Hardware stores stand the test of time, thanks to their commitment to the community and their endless supply of tools.
It’s interesting to see the evolution of hardware stores, from back in the days of trade and barter to competing against the corporate retailers, like Home Depot. In that time, a lot has changed; whether for better or worse is a different discussion. Brick and mortar stores are forced to think digitally; the dominance that Amazon have over, quite literally, everything; price sensitivity can make or break a business. Many have fallen prey to these external forces. It’s unfortunate to see small businesses being bought up by corporate giants is becoming a common trend. Either it’s that, or they’re forced to close down. It’s especially common now, after seeing the detrimental effects of the pandemic.
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But, what’s different about these hardware stores? What’s the one thing that’s stayed consistent throughout time? Their involvement with the community. Back in the days of trade and barter, shopkeepers would take on other roles: banker, postmasters, tax collectors, and more. These roles allowed them to create close relationships with farmers, suppliers, smiths, and more. A whole community was built around these hardware stores. Fast forward to today, the Crest hardware store in Brooklyn continues to engage with the community through different means: hosting art shows and street festivals that would bring in thousands of visitors. Proceeds are donated to local organizations, continuing the cycle of community engagement.
There’s always something to be said about community engagement, especially in an age where institutions and systems are oppressing, actively and passively, so many different communities of people. The ripple effects of gentrification, policing and surveillance, and lack of resources are detrimental. However, despite this, there’s a continued effort to engage in the community; I would argue that it’s more emphasized now than ever before. The lack of action by our country’s “leaders” have led communities to band together and give each other a helping hand. Through the efforts of mutual aid, donations and go-fund-me’s, volunteering, and more, communities are stronger and more resilient.
In a very metaphorical way, we are each other’s hardware store. We provide, to each other, various tools and supplies needed to fix and repair something broken. And in that regard, we not only provide the tools and supplies, but the feeling of belonging. Support your local hardware store, general store, deli, bodega, market, and business.
