Jarms expands to meet growing needs

CHENEY – Jarms Ace Hardware is gearing up for a significant expansion, adding an additional 7,499 square feet of retail space to its 6 Cheney Spokane Road store.

The project is slated for completion by February of next year.

Business and building owner Tom Jarms said the expansion aligns with his philosophy of providing the community with the products it needs.

"Over the years, our customers have consistently told us what they want," Jarms said. "And it's been crucial not just to listen, but to understand how much they're willing to pay for it."

Jarms' connection to the hardware store runs deep - his father founded the business on March 27, 1972, building it from the ground up.

Reflecting on his father's journey, Jarms expressed admiration for the challenges his father faced.

"I don't think I could have done what my dad did when he started this business," Jarms said. "He had to bring in customers and worked tirelessly to convince them to buy hardware items."

In 1994, Jarms began managing the business, facing new challenges of his own. He had to learn what products were selling and how to optimize the use of floor space.

At the old store location, 1720 Second St., Jarms experimented with a section dedicated to dishes and small appliances.

"Some people would buy them, but it wasn't often," he said. "And once they did, they wouldn't need another for years."

He realized that the return on investment for these items was minimal compared to other products. "When I calculated the cost of stocking dishes and small appliances versus something like caulking, the difference was staggering," he said. "The caulking products turned over much faster, and I wasn't losing money on them."

That insight led Jarms to eliminate less profitable items and focus on expanding inventory in high-demand areas when he moved to the current location.

Looking ahead, Jarms identified gaps in the local market requiring out-of-town travel to purchase items such as large appliances and clothing. To address these voids, he will be introducing a new line of Carhartt clothing and expanding existing product lines.

Jarms also evaluated the possibility of adding lumber, but decided against it.

"To do lumber right, you need large quantities and a wide selection like a lumberyard, which would mean purchasing more land, hiring CDL drivers, and acquiring more trucks for delivery," he said. "It just wouldn't be profitable."

However, he is committed to expanding some lines, like Stihl products, which have been a strong performer for the store.

"Stihl has been very successful for us, and we sell a lot of their products," Jarms noted.

Ultimately, Jarms' goal is to stay competitive and relevant in the market.

"If you're not, you're going to fail," he said.