It’s not known as “the helpful place” for nothing. In fact, when Eddie and Francis Giroir first opened Eddie’s Ace Hardware in 1949, it was because Eddie saw an opportunity to help develop what would become New Orleans East. And current-day owners Michael Everett, Roger Giroir and Larry Giroir, Jr.—the grandsons and third generation of the founders — aim to continue that vision as a way to provide the community with jobs and a convenient place to shop, with expert knowledgeable help. The fourth generation is already poised to continue in the business.
According to Everett, owner and manager at Eddie’s Ace Hardware, this location is unique thanks to the trained expert employees who provide personalized customer service.
“You can find things here that you cannot find elsewhere and, if you need one screw, we will sell you one screw — not a whole box that you may not need,” he said.
This local store also is on the larger size of the spectrum as compared to other Ace Hardware locations for its market size, so customers can find pretty much anything they need all in one location.
Store departments include everything from fishing supplies and steel castings to sporting goods and welding supplies. Meanwhile, store services include automobile key programming and cutting, glass cutting, blade sharpening, glass repair, pipe cutting and threading, and more. Customers also can expect to find some of the best-known brands in the industry, including Weber, Black+Decker, Craftsman, Dewalt and Husqvarna. Some of the most popular items that today’s customers seek at Eddie’s Ace Hardware include computerized car keys and fobs, window screens and general hardware.
“These are all staples of our products that we offer the community,” Everett said.
When it comes to paint, the staff at Eddie’s Ace Hardware are able to help customers choose from the wide spectrum of colors, sheens and finishes; find all of the accessories they may need to prepare for the job; and provide professional painting tips, tricks and essential techniques. Eddie’s Ace Hardware also has partnered with top brands such as Clark+Kensington and Valspar, and the store also offers Ace Hardware’s own Royal brand.
As anyone who owns a home will attest, there is always something that needs upgrading or repair, especially after storms. Although New Orleans East hasn’t been hit by recent storms as large as Hurricane Katrina, business is going as strong as ever for this tight-knit family.
“Most people don’t know this, but we were the first business east of the Industrial Canal to open after Hurricane Katrina,” Everett said. “Our business has changed since then; there are more rental homes now than before. However, business overall continues to improve.”
And that’s just the way Everett and his family like it. His main goal, and that of the co-owners, is to continue to offer personal service and support to all of their customers well into the future.
“As we approach our 70th year in business at the same location in New Orleans East, I would like to thank all the residents of New Orleans East for their past and future support, and for all of the truly loyal friends we have made over the years,” he said.
