History

In 1912 Frank Stockdale and George Bennett opened the Hardware store in the name of Invermere Construction & Supplies.

In 1915 a lean-to was added to accommodate a Dry Goods Store for Mrs. E.M. Taylor.

During the next few years Bennett was bought out by Frank Stockdale and Alex Ritchie. The name was changed to Invermere Hardware, and Alec Robb was hired as manager. By the 1920’s, Stockdale had bought out Ritchie and was running the business himself.

In 1944 Charles Osterloh bought the E.M. Taylor Dry Goods and ran it until he moved the business across the street to a new building in 1947. In 1953, Charles Osterloh and Marvin Tunnacliffe bought the Hardware. In 1959 they moved to a new location and Orr Newton purchased the building, remodeled it and ran the Invermere Groceteria from that location.

When the hardware business re-located to the present site, it was re-named the Invermere Hardware and Building Supplies. Osterloh and Tunnacliffe took over the Building Supplies from the Invermere Contracting Co. which was owned by the Cleland family. Marvin Tunnacliffe retired in 1973, retaining his financial interest. Charles Osterloh retired in 1978, retaining a financial interest. His son in law, Peter McIsaac and Don Pawlyshyn purchased shares at that time and took over management.


In the early sixties, the Staff Picnic was serious business. Before the games, and the eats, the staff joined the local town parade, in their "Home Made" float. Things haven't really changed much today, except that there are more staff members, and the vehicles are bigger, Staff get-togethers are still serious business.

In 1988 Lucy and Allen Miller came on the scene. In 1972 Allen had started working for Home Hardware Stores Ltd. He spent 10 years learning all aspects of warehousing, shipping, ordering, inventory, and dealer services in the Home Hardware Merchandising Department. Allen spent 3 years in the field setting up new locations and renovating the old locations. An opportunity brought Allen and his wife Lucy west in 1981 where Allen managed Hardware and Building Supply Stores in three different locations. Allen was hired as manager of Building Supplies by Pawlyshyn & McIsaac in Invermere, and ran that division until 1993.

In 1993 Lucy and Allan Miller became new owner of Invermere Hardware & Building Supplies, buying the business from Don Pawlyshyn and Peter McIsaac. Don & Sue Miller, (Al's brother and sister in law) moved to the valley to help Al & Lucy run the store. Don assumed the responsibility of Hardware Manager, and Sue headed up the IT Department. John & Ann van Spankeren also joined Al & Lucy. John assumed the position of Building Supplies Sales Manager, while Ann took on the bookkeeping and payroll duties.

Modern expansion occurred in 1995, when we doubled the size of the Lumber Yard. This enabled us to carry a full line of I-Joists for our floor manufacturing division. These I joists are stocked in 60 foot lengths, and cut to specifications as designed by our design department. In 1999 the I-Joist Division was moved to a new yard, at the edge of town, to alleviate the congestion in town created by large trucks.

In 2001, further expansion occurred in the form of more floor space at the main store. Our neighbor decided to close up shop, and that allowed us to pick up the additional floor space. Access doors were cut in the adjoining walls, and inventory was moved into the newly decorated area. In 2002 the next neighbor over decided to move his business, allowing us to pick up additional retail space again. More access doors were cut into the party walls, and more inventory was moved. These two expansions allowed for wider aisles, more merchandise, and expanded displays. All factors adding to the shopping comfort of our customers.

Also in 2001, a satellite store was set up in Canal Flats, a 45 minute drive south of Invermere. Serving a growing community, this small retail outlet is staffed by local citizens, and does a bustling business. The stock consists of Basic Hardware supplies. Special Order are accommodated, and building supplies are brought in on a as needed basis.

In 2005 The new store was opened at the crossroads of Invermere. Located at 9980 Arrow Rd, Al & Lucy built a new 35,000 Square Foot building, with a 15,000 square foot Drive Through Storage Building, on 10 acres of land. The move occurred  on January 24th, and 2 1/2 months later, the official board cutting ceremony highlighted the Grand Opening.

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In 2008 Spring, a new addition was added, commonly called the Seasonal Centre. May 8 heralded the Grand Opening, and Handy Andy was introduced to our customers. Handy Andy was loved by everyone he greeted, and the Seasonal Centre was packed with invited guests. BBQ'd Appetizers, refreshments and cheese & meat plates added to the festive atmosphere.