Gordon Sandman, left, manager of Rocky's Hardware store in Westfield, is joined by Rocco Falcone, owner and president, at their new store on Free Street in Westfield. (Photo by chief photographer Frederick Gore)
Debris is piled high in the former Rocky's Hardware store on Main Street in Westfield as demolition of the old building takes place. (Photo by chief photographer Frederick Gore)
A heavy equipment operator from Truck Crane Services starts to demolish the former Rocky's Hardware store on Main Street in Westfield yesterday. (Photo by chief photographer Frederick Gore)
By HOPE E. TREMBLAY
Staff writer
WESFTIELD – Now is the perfect time to rediscover Rocky’s.
The family owned hardware store has changed a bit recently with a new Westfield store and several new lines.
Rocky’s President Rocco Falcone said the Westfield store is open during the demolition of its former storefront on Main Street. Located just behind the old building, the new Rocky’s is bigger, brighter and better while maintaining the management and staff that make it a tradition in the city.
In addition to expanding Rocky’s, the Falcones are contributing to the revitalization of downtown Westfield. They are in the midst of tearing down the old Rocky’s and attached buildings and will add parking and a garden center featuring a gazebo and wrought-iron style fencing. The family also owns the storefront on the other side of the Senior Center and plan to spruce up the facade there.
“This spring we will give that building a facelift with a new look and paint,” said Falcone.
The second story of those storefronts are set for a renovation as well.
“We plan to put six apartments on the second floor,” Falcone said.
The family is committed to the city and Falcone said they are here for the long-haul.
“Westfield is a good community,” he said. “We like the people here and they have been good to us.”
Falcone said with projects on the city green, roads and bridges, he expects an upturn downtown. He admitted living through the construction has been a trying time for many people, but he believes the end will justify the means.
“It’s a great community and we are glad to see the changes,” he said.
Rocky’s was founded by Falcone’s grandfather and namesake in 1926. Falcone’s father took over and the business was passed on to Falcone. Falcone’s father still serves as chairman of the company and his aunt Claire is vice president. Falcone’s son and daughter are in high school, but have already expressed some interest in the family business.
When Falcone became Rocky’s president in 1992 the company owned six stores. Today, there are 33 Rocky’s in five states, including Massachusetts, Connecticut, Rhode Island, New Hampshire and Florida.
Falcone said what sets Rocky’s apart from the big chain stores is simply people.
“Our staff knows our customers and our products,” he said.
Rocky’s has expanded its product line to include Stihl power equipment and a full line of Craftsman hand and power tools.
“We also have two new paint lines, Clark and Kensington and Benjamin Moore,” he said.
The staff in Westfield has been around for some time. Manager Gordon Sandman has been with the company 11 years and other employees have been there eight to 15 years.
Falcone said he treats staff like they are part of the family, which he believes contributes to the longevity of Rocky’s employees.
The Westfield store opened in 1970 in the space now occupied by Walgreens. They moved to Main Street to a larger space, then opened its doors in a brand new store last month featuring nearly 15,000 square-feet of space.
“We have served this neighborhood for 42 years, opening our first store in Westfield in January of 1970. Now, we proudly reveal a brand new store to serve the community,” said Falcone.
The new building was constructed by Saloomey Construction using green technology with state-of-the-art energy-saving lighting and skylights to enhance the shopping experience while saving energy. Add to that the new products and even every day customers will find Rocky’s feels a little bit different, in a good way.
“We invite you to re-discover Rocky’s,” said Falcone.
Over the next few days Truck Crane Service, Inc. will be demolishing the previously existing store. Falcone said as weather permits, the space will be transformed and should be ready for customers to park and enjoy a blooming garden this spring.
Rocky’s is open 8 a.m. – 8 p.m. Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. – 7 p.m. Saturday, and 9 a.m. – 5 p.m. Sunday.
