// sponsor story: Swains Ace Hardware Store

* Swains Hardware store is the best hardware store in Cape May, and some would say, in all of South Jersey. CapemayX.com caught up with Terri and Tabir as they just finished feeding a family of five kittens found in Swains' parking lot. The kittens now call the kitchenware department home and Tabir Mom (apparently). At least until they're old enough to be adopted.

Their Story: Swains hardware is a bona fide Cape May landmark. For 110 years, a Cape May visit isn't complete without a trip to Swains. In many ways the story of Swains is the story of Cape May. Literally, history in the making.

Swains has been a Cape May fixture for a long time: We have. My great-grandfather and great-grandmother started Swains in 1896. So this June, we celebrated our 110th year in business.

Wow. What is your role in the store? I own the store and manage the daily operations. I'm also the main buyer so I travel the country looking for the best new products for my customers. I bought the store from my father after working in New York and abroad as a CPA for a Big Eight firm for 10 years.

Isn't it down to Big 5, after the mergers and scandals ? Funny.


The old store click How has Swains been able to survive all these years? You know there's no magic formula. Hard work and paying attention to our customer needs. Staying true to the qualities that are important. Plus, we're really plugged in to the community. I believe in those qualities 100 percent as they were so much a part of how my great grandparents, grandparents, and Dad lived their lives and ran the store. It's an honor to carry on that tradition. It's interesting, we have more competition now than we've ever had with many big box stores opening throughout south jersey. But by staying plugged in to the needs of our customers and the overall community, and staying true to the old fashioned values my family instilled in me and the store, we continue to have success and remain competitive.


1910 photo click You've shared some really great photos. Tell us about them. I love these photos. They show a little of old Cape May and old Swains, really. The Tin Roof photo shows the store in 1910 — it started as a tin roof store. And look at the dirt road, it feels like the middle of nowhere.


Until you see the next photo in the same year — The beach stroll. Look how everyone is dressed. I love that. It was a special time, and Cape May was truly a unique place. It's amazing that to this day, Cape May has held on to some of those qualities. I think that's why it's such a popular town today.

What's unique about your store? You know you'd really have to ask some of our customers. I will say we work very hard to provide a great customer experience through selection, and offering convenient services.


1910 Beach Stroll click Your store looks different this year — Yes well, everyone needs a face lift after 110 years of business. Actually, we just completed a major renovation to the store entrance that we're so proud of. It really opens the store up and allows our customers more room. We also upgraded our systems so check out is faster. And now we have much better space to display some great new items like patio furniture and grills.

Ok, now's you get to promote. You carry thousands of products, but what are a few special finds you'd like our readers — your customers — to know about?
Look at these photos for patio furniture and Adirondack chairs. These have been a really popular line. The chairs in particular because they look like the classic wood chairs, but they are made from recycled plastic.


From summer 2006, specials may no longer apply

They last for a long time, don't have to be painted, and our customers love them. Also, the telescope line is really great. We feature them in our new front entrance now that we have more room.


click Anything else? Well, since your're asking, sure. Many of our customers, even our regular ones, don't know about the additional services we offer right here in the store. Like free delivery, or lamp repair, or UPS shipping. But rather than talk about it, here's a simple brochure summary. When our customers find out, they love it.



OK, now the important questions. What do you love most about Cape May? The fresh air.

What's a favorite thing about Cape May you'd recommmend to a close friend? The Vicki-tini at the Merion Inn, and the sesame noodles appetizer at Louisa's. Heaven.



Click if you don't know where we're located Important information
Location: 305 Jackson Street, next to the Wawa
Hours: 8 to 6 / Mon. - Sat., 9 to 3 Sunday (in season: April to Sept.) ..... 8 to 5 / Mon. - Sat., 9 to 1 Sunday (off season: Oct. to Mar.)
Contact: 609-884-8578
Open year 'round? We're one of the only stores open through the winter.