I have a question about Menards.

Menard Inc. is a chain of home improvement centers, located in the Midwestern United States.

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Menards

So yeah, similar to Lowe's, but Lowe's doesn't have the trains! 

Yes like Lowe's . However while they are a BIG store chain. They try to retain a local hardware store feel with the wider range of products they offer that aren't all "hardware related". 

Apparently someone at Menards likes trains so they sell them just because. Trains certainly have no bearing on their bottom line.

Having said all that. Menards is probably my favorite of the big hardware chains.

Thank guys I think they may be a few stores here in n.c.I not sure thou but thanks for the information.

Back in the day many Hardware stores sold trains and or accessories.

First, I believe the owner on the Menard's chain (John Menard) is a fellow train enthusiast. And, although they probably sell a good portion for their train related items online they are also available in store. Sure sounds like an excellent way to get more people in the store not only to sell the train stuff but also purchase their core products. Sounds like a pretty good marketing plan to me.   

Big difference between Menards and Lowe's, Menards is privately owned. They don't have to pander to wall street.

I think Menards trains and buildings are fantastic . . .mostly. I think that John Menard has created a nice niche and I hope he continues to offer more that includes engines, too.

I find myself going to Menards instead of Lowes or Home Depot. I have purchased more power tools from Menards including  a Bosch Miter Saw than from Amazon.

The trains was a real risky proposition for him to enter into since the train hobby market is so small; but I think again he succeeded.

The buildings are excellent. Service is #1. I’ve never had a problem returning an item, regardless of the issue. 

I asked Mark that awhile ago too and yes, his response was John Menard is a big model train enthusiast. So, this became a "pet" project for him and took off from there.

Rob

I’ve never been to one but picture it as having some of the stuff you would see at Costco mixed in woth stuff you would see at a normal hardware store. My Uncle lives in Pingree Grove, IL and He told me what it was when I sent him a menards car for Christmas a few years ago

seaboardm2 posted:

I am just wondering about this. Menards is a hardware store or something like lowes?And I do not get the connection between hardware and o gauge trains?Do not get me wrong I have no problem with their trains.I like their prices.Their prices remind me of industral rail trains.So lets hear from you.

Do a search for "Madison Hardware" 

At the Eau Claire show last July, Mark The Menard Train Guy (his OGR Forum name) said many of the ideas for Menards train products come directly from John Menard, who was on hand at the show and running trains on the company’s display layout.

John has been a TCA member for many years, and I know that he has privately attended York shows as an enthusiast.

In one of his earlier postings, Mark also said that the train line was formed within Menards by a bunch of train enthusiasts. The company essentially provided them with a guideline that the train line was fine as long as it doesn’t interfere with Menards’ normal business operations.

The train line has done well enough so that the company has allowed it to expand.

To reiterate, however: Train sales are a drop in the bucket for Menards, a 14-state chain with more than 300 stores and roughly $10 billion in sales annually.

I have Menards, Lowe’s, and Home Depot all in my area. I find the lumber selection and hardware selection to be the best at  Menards, so it always my first choice. Even the toilet float for my water tower came from Menards!

I received my annual birthday card from Menards today with a coupon for a "Wood handle magnetic pickup tool with light" . Every year Menards sends a birthday card with a screwdriver or magnifying glass or something similar.  Who else does that?

I found that the closest Menards store is in Warren, Ohio, one of their biggest, all I have to say is if you can't find what your looking there you are not going to find it anywhere, that is the biggest store I have seen  since I was at Mall America.

In few pictures l have seen of Madison Hardware, l have only seen trains, and have read comments about its owners...did it carry actual hardware (home maintenance)?  

When I first found out about Menards the closest store to me in Cuyahoga Falls was down in Masillon. But it was worth the trip. I have bought a lot of things for the house there including train related items. I like the idea of ship free to the store. And like ROSS said I go there for their lumber too. Now I have it made, they built one of their bigger stores here in the falls. I missed the trip down to the other one but now I have ony two miles to go to get to a great store..............Paul

My Menards is only 7 miles away. Our area residents were very happy to have one built in our area, instead of driving 50 miles to Madison. They are a great lumber business and a wealth of everything else you can imagine, and need! It's pretty cool to see Mr. Menards getting into the model train business and I hope they can continue. Thanks!

As one that lives in Florida now and meet and talk to many Midwesterners at Lowes or Home Depot shopping, I hear many times on how they miss Menards Stores down here.

Maybe, just maybe, Menards will move South and build.

colorado hirailer posted:

In few pictures l have seen of Madison Hardware, l have only seen trains, and have read comments about its owners...did it carry actual hardware (home maintenance)?  

I'm no expert on the history, but, as I remember, the store originated as a regular hardware store.  When the brothers of fame took it over, they shifted to the trains.  The only remaining hardware during its heyday was the key machine.

Just received this from Menards recently it's my first purchase from them and love it

Menards items not available for sale in CA.

Mikey

colorado hirailer posted:

In few pictures l have seen of Madison Hardware, l have only seen trains, and have read comments about its owners...did it carry actual hardware (home maintenance)?  

Well, they did have a key machine there, I remember going there in the late 70's, and some guy came in wanting one of those fancy security keys  (Fichet?) to be cut, and the glares almost set the boxes of trains on fire *lol*. 

I only wish Menards had something near where I live (nearest one is Ohio, be a pretty far drive to say the least!). I was fascinated by what Menards had on their web site, besides the typical home improvement stuff they have food and pet supplies and the like, which is interesting. I got a shower enclosure from them for like 200 bucks less than HD, and it shipped free. 

We have no Menards here on the east cost and that's OK.  From what I understand the individual Menards stores don't carry everything that's available on-line and what they do carry is pretty sparse in off season.  

I really like their train products and will continue to do on-line ordering even though I can't participate in the rebate program.