You Can't Beat Buncher's
They stock rakes, shovels, salt, light bulbs and charm.
On Memorial Day afternoon, the sun was out, the patio was cool and even though our 10-year-old had had a friend sleep over the night before, I still had enough energy to propose a barbecue. Never mind that we hadn't used the grill in two years and didn't have any fish or enough meat. I could fix that with a trip to King’s. But the grill was covered with two winters' worth of leaves and dirt. Inside, it was covered with rust. While my older son studied for exams, my younger son and I took a bowl of soapy water and a dish towel and set about cleaning the grill. Finally, my husband came outside to turn it on. Three of the four burners flickered. The fourth refused.
"Call the guy who came to fix it before," my husband said.
The next morning, I did. Actually, I called his mother, Marlene Hawes, manager of Buncher's Hardware.
"Hi honey," she said. After a nice chat, she said she'd send someone out to fix the grill the next day. For the past 28 years, the Hawes family has been running Buncher's. Back when I grew up in town in 1970s and ‘80s there were three hardware stores in Millburn. By the time my husband and I moved back here in 1999, only Buncher's remained.
We had rented an apartment for years in the city and were pretty clueless about homeownership. My husband is an electrical engineer by training, but only marginally interested in repairing things around the house. As a writer, I can type quickly, but can't fix much besides a strong cup of coffee.
Bunchers saved us. Walking through town one day with my then three-year-old son, I saw the faded orange-and-white Bunchers Hardware sign on Millburn Avenue. We wandered in. There was a gum ball machine in front and a cranky cat named Checkbook pacing the floor. My son leaned over to pet Checkbook. I picked out some doormats and light bulbs and asked if there was someone at the store who could hang pictures, install a de-humidifier and move my grandmother's old couch.
"Sure, honey," the woman behind the counter said. She was standing next to an older woman, who smiled. "I'll send David or Frank out to help you."
There aren't many places left where the proprietor calls you "honey," knows exactly where you live and works side-by-side with her ex-mother-in-law. But that's Buncher's. Marlene used to be married to Madeline Hawes' son Frank and they had a son, David. They bought Buncher's from the Buncher family in 1983 (the orange-and-white sign has been there since 1963.)
When the Hawes bought Buncher’s, Frank was an electrical engineer and plant manager and Marlene worked as a customer service manager for General Cable. Frank's parents, Madeline and Bill, quit their jobs to help them in the business. The family eventually bought Maplewood Lock and Key, and though Frank and Marlene divorced in 1990, they continue to cheerfully run the business together. (David, now 28 and married, is a civil engineer for the state and helps out in the store part-time.)
Marlene and Madeline stand next to each other behind the counter, greeting customers, walking them down the jam-packed aisles to find what they need, ringing up sales and offering advice and conversation. It's unusual for a daughter-in-law and mother-in-law to enjoy each other's company even under the best of circumstances, never mind continue to work together after a divorce. "It's an odd situation but a nice one," says Marlene. Marlene is almost 60 and Madeline is 82. Both women are in the store six to seven days a week. "We clicked from the very beginning," Marlene says. "We meet for dinner; we get our hair done together."
The two even vacation together in Cape May. "I'm very lucky at my age to have my mother and mother-in-law's love," says Marlene. "I come from hard times."
Marlene's father died when she was a little girl. "My mother worked to support us and it was never enough," Marlene says. "My grandmother and I took in ironing so we could eat. Since seventh grade, I've always worked."
The hard work has paid off. Though the past three years have been tough for small businesses, Buncher's has carved out a niche by taking care of customers in adversity. This winter may have been snowy and miserable for homeowners, but it was good for the hardware business. "We sold a tremendous amount of salt," Marlene says. "We had a wonderful winter, the more snow the better."
Buncher's has three trucks and plows driveways. The lock business has also been busy. "That's what keeps us afloat," Marlene says. "When the economy went down, the locksmith business went up. When people are fired or lose their houses, locks need to be changed. When people get divorced, locks need to be changed."
The store tries to distinguish itself from Home Depot, Costco and Lowe's by stocking such seasonal items as shovels and bags of salt year round. Though Marlene concedes the prices might be better at these chains, she guarantees that Buncher's won't run out of what you're looking for. "I never get rid of seasonal items," Marlene says. "If someone in the middle of summer wants a shovel, I can provide that. If someone wants Christmas lights, I can provide that. We have a huge garage in back and people know that."
Buncher's also does a big business replacing windows and screens and selling cleaning supplies and light bulbs. In fact, light bulbs are 25 percent of their business and Marlene keeps bulb prices low. "In 15 years, I haven't changed the prices on bulbs," Marlene says.
Though the government urges consumers to buy compact fluorescents, that doesn't mean that customers want them. Buncher’s customers want incandescent bulbs. "The compact fluorescents don't move that well," says Marlene. "If I sell 15 a week, it's a lot. I sell hundreds of the others. I'm hoarding as many as I can of the 65 watts. I have a whole basement full of them. I have one woman who spent $1,000 on them so she wouldn't run out before she died."
The customers who do buy compact fluorescents, which contain mercury, don't always know how to dispose of them properly. (Fluorescents can't be put in the garbage or landfill.) Buncher's will dispose of compact fluorescents for you.
One of the most delightful things about Buncher’s is the store's willingness to get you out of a jam. When our hot water heater flooded the basement, they immediately sold us the dry vac to suck up the mess. One of their employees put together the not-so-easy-to-assemble TV stand in our basement. They've hung up mirrors, replaced glass windows broken by hockey pucks and baseballs, moved a ripped love seat from the family room to the basement, fixed the grill, and sold me more shovels, doormats, ice picks, bags of salt and light bulbs than I can count. "That's why we love the store," says Marlene, who has no plans to sell the business or retire. "We're always taking care of people."
Buncher's Hardware 320 Millburn Ave Millburn, NJ 07041973-376-0776 (800) 642-7392
J Doe
8:38 am on Friday, June 10, 2011
You have got to be kidding with this article! This store is a dump, and an eyesore. The outside of it looks like it is run down and should be condemned. The tar paper roof, the rust on the sign, the peeling paint...it has looked horrible for years. You would think that since it is a hardware store they would be able to fix it, but I guess the owners don't care. It is a blight on downtown and an embarrassment for the town. Inside, it is so crowded that I am amazed it has not been deemed a fire hazard.
Damian
9:59 am on Friday, June 10, 2011
It has a lot of charrm; this isn't Restoration Hardware at the Short Hills Mall. We keep losing local treasures like this; Syd's becomes corporate Five Guys, Sonny Amster's and Tabatchnik's become corporate Staples (yes, I know they're in Vauxhall, but it's the Millburn Mall). I'd rather have a funky hardware store than another nail salon or Italian restaurant downtown. About the only replacement stores that have improved a space are Seed 387 and the new wine store downtown.
Zoinks
8:57 am on Friday, June 10, 2011
I have been rough in my comments on their outside appearance in the past so I know where J Doe is coming from. But to be fair they have recently done some exterior renovation.
David Harrison
9:26 am on Friday, June 10, 2011
"Fluorescents can't be put in the garbage or landfill" There is no Landfill around here! Per my Feb. 23rd article, all of Essex County's (and 70% of the state's) trash is BURNED....Millburn's is incinerated in Newark, 10 miles from where you breate.
J S Beckerman
10:10 am on Friday, June 10, 2011
Did Buncher's pay for this article? Forgetting that it took more than 4 years to fix the decrepit store exterior, I feel as though I am intruding whenever I stop in. No one smiles...it is as though they are doing me a favor by accepting my money.
I go to Orange Valley Hardware...old-fashioned store [from the early 1900s], original wooden floors and all.
neanderer
3:06 pm on Friday, June 10, 2011
This article is no worse than the weekly open house listings disguised as a news story, sponsored by Towne Realty Group.
Buncher's has bailed me out many times, having what I need or finding a solution to a tricky problem.
MrJones
10:14 am on Friday, June 10, 2011
Buncher's is the shiznit and is everything you moved into a small town for. Friendly family service, a cat, and just abouvt every weird doo-dad you ever needed. Even though the orange big-box store is somewhat close, it's much more convenient to go to Buncher's to get what I need (it's impossible to get in and out of the HD in 5 minutes).
Don't be put off by appearances (please). Giving them even a little of your business might give them the means to pay for improvements. If you don't, you can look forward to another nail salon in its place.
Jen_S
12:25 pm on Friday, June 10, 2011
I grew up in Millburn and, yes, Buncher's was the "go to" place back then (certainly before Home Depot existed). I love Buncher's!! We need more family-owned businesses like this in our towns. I have always found them very lovely, responsive and knowledgable.
Kate Levin
4:49 pm on Friday, June 10, 2011
I love those kinds of stores where "everyone knows your name." Even in the big city, we have a few businesses like that--and it makes a big difference!
Ruthi Byrne
5:11 pm on Friday, June 10, 2011
So true to this real town landmark! Let's keep it going
teaspoon
12:45 pm on Saturday, June 11, 2011
Buncher's rules. All you jerks complaining on how it looks need to leave town.
Sheri A Saperstein
3:19 pm on Saturday, June 11, 2011
I love this article. I love the way this kind of store can keep you smiling all day long, even all week. I'd rather spend a dollar more at a store like Buncher's and leave smiling (and pleased that I've supported a local business) than save a dollar at Home Depot, but come home exhausted and shell-shocked.
MillerTime
12:32 am on Sunday, June 12, 2011
Its ridiculous how long Bunchers has been the armpit of Millburn's downtown. Decades ago it was run better but now smug attitudes prevail. They did begin some kind of renovation project years ago but it certainly was never finished.
Joel
10:30 am on Sunday, June 12, 2011
Teaspoon, Just because you don't agree with responses to your postings, immature & rude responses are uncalled for. They only cause readers to question your credibility.
Laura Griffin
12:24 pm on Sunday, June 12, 2011
Please remember that comments with profane or inappropriate language not only dilute your point but will be deleted. We encourage civil discussion and discourse on Patch. Thank you!
Damian
12:29 pm on Sunday, June 12, 2011
I think calling Buncher's the 'armpit' of Millburn should be edited/deleted as well.
teaspoon
12:30 pm on Sunday, June 12, 2011
agreed
Zoinks
8:01 pm on Sunday, June 12, 2011
There is a HUGE difference between the two. As I said, I am happy that they have recently completed some repairs but they allowed the building, out of spite I hear, to remain an eyesore for way too long.
teaspoon
8:43 pm on Sunday, June 12, 2011
Same people talking about Buncher's being an eye sore are also the type that rips down 100 year old houses in town to put up some ugly monstrosity.
J Doe
8:40 am on Monday, June 13, 2011
Laura (either one), can you do a follow up on this? The article did not at all go into the exterior of the store, and the fact that it has looked rundown for decades. Can you ask the owners why they refuse to do improvements? Like MarkDS, it is "common knowledge" that they have indeed done so out of spite.
We really want to see Patch doing reporting rather than cheer leading and advertising. This is a good opportunity for you to do so. All of the comments center around this, so clearly it is interesting to your readers.
Larry
5:07 pm on Monday, June 13, 2011
"We really want to see Patch doing reporting rather than cheer leading and advertising. This is a good opportunity for you to do so. All of the comments center around this, so clearly it is interesting to your readers."
+1 to J Doe's request for some reporting!
J S Beckerman
9:18 am on Monday, June 13, 2011
teaspoon: You are wrong. I despise the McMansions in town, but we all can agree that Buncher's exterior was pitifully maintained; it was an eyesore. I hope it stays in business, but spends money when needed to keep up its exterior.
Damian
11:15 am on Monday, June 13, 2011
I'm much more concerned with the proposed temple on Old Short Hills Road knocking down two beautiful homes in a gorgeous residential setting than a scruffy second story facade in a busy downtown shopping area. Frankly, until someone pointed it out months ago, I never looked up and saw the condition of the Bunchers upstairs. Ditto on a big unsafe concrete parking box being dropped in downtown, that would be a huge eyesore.
J S Beckerman
11:22 am on Monday, June 13, 2011
I am concerned with both the proposed temple [against] and downtown stores that fall into major disrepair whose owners seem not to care.
If that had been a private house, the town would have issued a summons and Judge Haggerty would have issued fines and required immediate repair. I am not sure how Buncher's got away with it for so long.
Susan1
1:07 pm on Monday, June 13, 2011
I have heard that there is one person who owns a good portion of the commercial real estate in downtown and that he/she has chosen to allow a great deal of space to remain vacant rather than lowering rents to attract business. I have no idea if this is just a rumor, but there certainly is a lot of empty space downtown and there doesn't seem much motivation to spruce things up. Perhaps Patch can do some investigation into this. Our downtown is really kind of sad looking and it can't solely be the economy: its looked like that for over a decade.
Zoinks
3:35 pm on Monday, June 13, 2011
That is an old urban legend. Certainly there are some stubborn landlords but mostly the empty space is a symptom of the economy and the difficulty getting finance. There are plenty of empty stores everywhere and in every town around here. Downtown Millburn actually has a lower vacancy rate than most. Lower Millburn Avenue is the really bleak area.
J S Beckerman
1:19 pm on Monday, June 13, 2011
Susan: I did a search and see very few repeated names as owners on property on Millburn Avenue.
Jeffery Realty manages/lists many properties for rent or sale, but does not own them.
Susan1
5:57 pm on Monday, June 13, 2011
@ JS Beckerman : Thanks for checking. I wish we could attract more businesses to downtown - and more diverse as well.
Earl
2:06 pm on Monday, June 13, 2011
Are you kidding, forget the way it looks on the outside or how long it took for them to make it look halfway decent, it's what's inside that counts and these people are the rudest, least helpful people in the service industry I have ever had the misfortune of dealing with. This article is ridiculous. They came over to fix the grill? They wouldn't walk down an aisle to help you find a shovel in the winter. I used to go there to pick up the odds and ends I needed because it was so convenient but their bad attitude became so overwhelming I just had to stop. Don't be fooled into thinking they represent the small town merchant of yore. That was the kindly, friendly shopkeeper eager to help not the rude, lazy, oblivious to your needs inhabitants of this store. The only thing genuine about Bunchers is the look. This place should have closed years ago.
Damian
2:28 pm on Monday, June 13, 2011
My experience is exactly opposite; I've bought and sold several properties in town and have been a landlord, and they always were quick to respond when tenants have had an issue and I've been away.
J S Beckerman
3:22 pm on Monday, June 13, 2011
Damian: Then you are fortunate as Mark R's comments are typical of what many in town think.
I once witnessed a verbal fight between the employees. It might make a good reality show; perhaps they can sell it to someone who cares about customers and promises to keep the store in business.
Until then Orange Valley Hardware in Orange and Home Depot.
Earl
3:44 pm on Monday, June 13, 2011
Frankly, I have never heard anyone say anything other than how rude they are and how difficult they make even the smallest purchase. I have also heard many explanations of why the town has put up with that exterior when they would never allow it for any other business on Millburn Ave. and none of the explanations has anything to do with it being allowed by town ordinance but instead because they are so friendly with the town mucky mucks. The place is an embarrassment. Frankly, I am beginning to think Damian is a plant (i.e. someone somehow related to Bunchers).
Damian
6:12 pm on Monday, June 13, 2011
Lol. I write a good review of The Garage, I'm a plant. I say nice things about Bunchers and I'm a plant. I and my family members (I'm third generation here, and my dad had 11 sibilings) have patronized Buncher's for decades. And Futters. And the Deli. If my experience is so different from many others it might be because I was born, raised, and raised my own children here and treat others nicely. Many of the 'new to town' people I've met and observed-well, those are the people who park their SUV's with tires outside the box, so you can't see behind it. Or the gals at Kings stopping dead center in an aisle while texting and holding everyone up. Or the gent screaming at the Shop Rite deli counter because the clerk went a tenth of an ounce over on his cold cuts.
And I've ment many 'new to town' people who are lovely and kind and thoughtful. This town has sufffered from a lack of civility that was here years ago though.
Laura Zinn Fromm
6:49 pm on Monday, June 13, 2011
Wow, the response to this story has been overwhelming! Thank you all for weighing in. For the record, Buncher's did not pay me to write this story. Far from it. In fact, I had to work hard to get them to make time to be interviewed. I grew up in town and have fond feelings for the businesses like Buncher's and Futter's, which have been here for decades. They give our town some ballast and character. Laura Griffin and I are looking into a follow-up story. Stay tuned and thanks for reading Patch.
Earl
7:40 pm on Monday, June 13, 2011
Damian I have lived here for many many years and odds are I would probably recognize you and you me. I love Futters and took my kids there year in and year out, they are what a shop keeper should be. Millburn deli will always be the best. Every Gobbler and Turkey Joe is better than the one before it, but Bunchers has always been terrible and probably always will be. If you think its because of the "new to towners", well that's the reality of the ebb and flow of a town's populations. Things change and give a town its vitality. Millburn doesn't belong to you or me, it belongs to the people who live here now and its what they make of it and if a store like Bunchers can't adapt they deserve to go out of business.
Damian
8:04 pm on Monday, June 13, 2011
Mark/Broigus/Zoinks, I don't disagree about much of what you posted. But some (and not all) of new residents come in with an attitude, and talk down to many shopkeepers (and I'm not saying anyone who posted here does that). So if they get attitude back they shouldn't be too surprised.
I'm sure Buncher's own the building (doesn't the mom live upstairs-the one who was robbed in her bedroom?) so I'm sure they'll be around for a long time, God willing.
Susan1
10:08 pm on Monday, June 13, 2011
I think we could all do with some more civility, on Patch and in person. I love that Patch functions as a virtual town square. Can't wait to see the follow-up to this story. Thanks Laura and Laura!
Mimi Frankel
3:13 pm on Thursday, June 30, 2011
I agree with Damian on the attitudes of some of the "newbies". I managed a business in the downtown for five years. I give the Hawes family credit for staying positive and being pleasant for 28 years! I got very tired of the nasty, entitled attitudes of those who entered the shop. They would come in and expect speedy service, but then when their cell phone rang, they would interrupt our transaction to answer their phone, to make lunch plans, etc. Then, quite often, they would try to negotiate prices and constantly proclaim that they “tried to do business in the downtown, but it was too expensive”. This type of attitude makes it impossible for any small business to stay afloat, not to mention to make a profit! Kudos to Buncher’s….they’ve lasted longer than most. It’s not surprising that there are so many vacant storefronts.