Retail Alliance, the non-profit association representing retailers throughout Hampton Roads, announced today that W.T. Patrick & Sons (dba Patrick’s Hardware) is the recipient of the 2017 Lifetime Achievement award at their Retailer of the Year event on May 25, 2017. The award will be presented to owner Cary E. Patrick.

“W.T. Patrick & Sons has earned its place as our Lifetime Achievement Award, showing tenacity and adaptation through four generations of this family owned business,” Mattes said.

W.T Patrick opened the store in 1896 when he was 18 years old. The business started as a general store but over the years he sold two brands of cars, had a gas pump out front, did minor car service, sold dry goods, guns and ammo, before eventually evolving to a hardware store called Patrick’s Hardware. More recently Cary Patrick also opened Patrick’s Glass not far from the hardware store.

“To be successful, a business must be flexible and willing to adapt to changes. As a retailer, we are constantly looking for new ways to evolve to grow the business, meet our customers’ needs and expectations, and remain competitive against the big-box stores without forgetting about what makes Patrick’s Hardware so unique and special,” Patrick said.

“Cary has proven that tenacity, adaptation, and a sound business acumen, can result in a very successful brick and mortar business,” Mattes commented.

Patrick’s Hardware is a retail business providing builder hardware, lawn and garden supplies, fasteners, hand and power tools, plumbing and electrical supplies, as well as glass and marine supplies to homeowners, contractors, apartment complexes, and government accounts.

Community involvement is also important to Cary Patrick and his family. “It’s imperative to count your blessings and give back to the community,” Patrick says. “It’s the right thing for all to do and it provides goodwill toward the store as well. I’m involved in the community through my church, volunteering, contributing products to various charity fundraiser silent auctions, and participating in civic organizations.” He is also passionate about the care and development of youth, supporting the Downtown Hampton Child Development Center, as well as the Youth Sailing of Virginia program.

The Lifetime Achievement Award looks at a variety of criteria, including: longevity; profitability; community involvement; reputation; visual merchandising; aesthetics; and they need to be a retail merchant. Previous winners are: 2016: Decorum Furniture; 2015: Goodman & Sons; 2014: Dan Ryan; 2013: Mary Barnett.

Retail Alliance’s Retailer of the Year awards is to be held at Norfolk Botanical Garden on May 25th from 6:30 PM – 10:00 PM. RSVP at www.retailalliance.com/events.