PINE PLAINS — Ever since the former longtime Deuel’s Home Center closed in 2016, Pine Plains residents have been waiting for a store to open close to home to fulfill all their hardware and home improvement needs. With the opening of Roosters Route 82 Home & Hardware Center this past March, their wish has been granted. Now all they need to do to stock up on supplies is stop by East Church Street in the center of the hamlet.
Before bringing their business to Pine Plains, Amy and Jeff Como built a reputation in the hardware and homeware game in neighboring Stanfordville, where they established their first Roosters Route 82 Home & Hardware Center almost four years ago at 6047 Route 82.
Set in the middle of Stanfordville, Jeff described their store as “a further amalgamation between an Agway, agricultural and lawn and garden [store] with a hardware and paint store,” whereas the new Pine Plains store is more focused on hardware and paint.
Jeff said they knew Pine Plains was in need of a hardware and home improvement store for many years, and by bringing their store to town, they felt they could target the area’s very distinct need. When asked what sets their business apart from other big box stores such as Home Depot and Lowe’s, Amy immediately said personalized customer service.
“The minute [customers] come in through the door, we try to solve their problem if they have any,” she said.
“I think we do it with a wide array of hardware selections and paint selections,” Jeff added, “and I think we do it for the convenience of the community so they don’t have travel to those big box stores, especially during a pandemic — and we’re doing it at competitive prices.”
As far as how their business was impacted by the arrival of COVID-19, Amy said they stayed open in Stanfordville the entire time, but faced challenges in getting and keeping products in the door.
While there was a huge strain on their ability to deliver services and a huge demand on the industry in general, Jeff said it was well worth the effort as they built a loyal following.
For the new store in Pine Plains, Jeff said they worked with local resident and proprietor Jack Banning to open their business in his building at 2978 East Church St. Along the way, the couple learned that their new retail space had once housed livestock, a pizza parlor, a boutique gift shop and a grocer. When reflecting on its past incarnations, Jeff said, “It has great bones and great history, and we love it here. It’s a very convenient spot on the main strip.”
Before officially opening for business on March 1, the Comos completed an extensive renovation to expand the square footage inside, almost doubling the size of the retail space. As a result, customers frequently comment on all of the merchandise that can fit into the enlarged interior space.
Offering in-person shopping along with delivery and curb-side service, Roosters Route 82 Home & Hardware Center is open Mondays through Saturdays from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Sundays from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.
As they continue to split their time between their two stores, the couple has already begun to see an increase in business since the start of June — especially in paint and painting supplies sales — they’ve also gained a lot of new customers.
Preparing for the summer months, Jeff said their store is completely stocked with not only hardware but also general merchandise, housework supplies and things customers might not expect to find in a hardware store. Adding to that, he said they’ve been able to keep their business well stocked for the summer, thanks to the great relationship they have with their distributors.
“We’re just so happy to be in the town of Pine Plains,” Jeff said, “and thankful to the whole town for embracing us and supporting our business as we grow and learn what they need and bring in the goods for them to be successful in their projects.”
To call Roosters Route 82 Home & Hardware Center, dial 518-398-3326.
Located at 2978 East Church St., Roosters Route 82 Home & Hardware Center officially opened for business in Pine Plains on March 1, and has since been open seven days a week to provide Harlem Valley residents their home and hardware needs. Photo submitted
From sandpaper to dog treats to plant seeds to tools to a wide selection of Benjamin Moore paints, Roosters Route 82 Home & Hardware is well stocked for a wide variety of home and hardware needs. Photo submitted
Justine and Victor Valla in their studio with a painting of Victor’s,”Jonah and the Whale.” Robin Roraback 
