Gordon’s Farm and Hardware in Philpot and Gordon’s Hardware in Owensboro are reassuring customers they remain open and independent despite the recent bankruptcy filing by the former affiliate True Value.
Second-generation owner Scott Gordon said the Philpot store was established as Gordon True Value Hardware in August 1982, followed by the Owensboro location in 1985. Gordon noted that while the stores were previously associated with True Value, they officially parted ways earlier this year.
“We dropped True Value back in April and stopped purchasing from them even earlier,” Gordon said. “After COVID, it became clear they couldn’t meet our supply needs. We wanted to protect our business and our customers, so we moved forward with a new supplier.”
Gordon explained that True Value’s struggles were evident as the company was acquired by an investment firm in 2018 and struggled to fill orders.
“They had begun cutting sales staff, moving all support to email, and imposing high fees. I felt it was only a matter of time before they’d face financial issues,” he said.
True Value’s recent bankruptcy announcement spurred concerns among Gordon’s customers, but he reassured them that his stores are independently owned and unaffiliated with any large chains.
“We’re still here, and we’re not going anywhere,” he said. “Despite the common misconception, we’ve never been part of Ace Hardware. We’re proudly local and independent.”
Gordon emphasized that the stores are well-prepared to continue serving their communities without interruption.
