05/28/2026
⭐️Local Business Spotlight⭐️
Home Hardware Building Center in Coboconk. It’s one of our favorite places to shop, of anywhere, and I’ll tell you why.
On any given day their staffing ratio, hand to god, is 1 staff per customer. I don’t know how they do it, but it’s consistent. In an age when customer service feels like an afterthought for a lot of businesses, I have never walked into Home Hardware in Coby and not walked out with exactly what I needed. They are helpful and knowledgeable and genuinely happy to help you.
Their stock is incredible. And not just for a “small town store” – by any standards, the store is robust. Deck stain, tomato cages, mosquito repellent, shower sealant, caulking guns, foot valves, hummingbird feeders, lumber, curtain rod ends, key cutting, propane (and propane accessories 😉). You will see a VERY wide variety of shoppers in and out of there, and everyone leaves with what they need. It’s impressive.
The layout is intuitive. I don’t feel like I’m solving a mystery every time I shop there. I’m not going to name names, but this is notttttttt the default for a lot of local home building stores in the Kawartha Lakes.
Their lake-specific merchandise is very good. As realtors selling locally on Balsam, Cameron, Head, Shadow, etc. their lake-branded hoodies, tees, coffee mugs, and signage all make lovely closing gifts. (I’d love to see Mitchell Lake represented, but no luck. Maybe next year).
Pricing is competitive. When I compare apples-to-apples at Home Depot, Amazon, etc., Home Hardware’s pricing is on par or, depending on the week, better. Which leads nicely to…
They’re locally owned. Dollars spent in the community stay in the community. It feels good to support the places that support, and become, your neighbourhood.
Staff again. It’s worth mentioning twice.