Frank Pastore’s hardware store is located next to Mike’s Place. The store survives, despite competition from Prescott’s “big box” stores like Home Depot and Walmart, because Frank’s Supply Depot meets the needs of residents, stocking supplies for the do-it-yourselfer as well as the tradesmen who need materials for a simple repair.
The small space houses shelves filled to the brim with items, all carefully sorted according to type: plumbing, electrical, and so forth. Replacement bulbs for household lamps and fixtures, metal rings for hanging shower curtains, and other small hardware items and tools are tucked away in appropriate—if not always evident—spots.
A corner of the store is devoted to lawn care and gardening equipment, including an assortment of bulbs for fall planting and seed packets in early spring. Bags of potting soil and fertilizer are stacked at the side of the store in the spring and summer, replaced by bags of ice melt and bird seed in the winter. Small gardening tools—trowels, bulb planters, and such as well as gardening gloves—hang in the area, just above the shovels, hoes, and rakes.
Further on, fishing line in various strengths, artificial flies and bait are stored near bird feeders, bird houses, and wind chimes—all designed to appeal to the outdoor enthusiast.
At the rear of the store are paint supplies. Assorted brushes sit in buckets. Rolls of masking tape in various widths are stacked on a shelf in this area, along with turpentine, patch mix, and tools necessary to tackle the job.
Frank’s checkout counter features seasonal items, including insect spray, sunglasses, lip balm, key holders and tags, as well as tick collars for a family pet. Items are rung up on an antique cash register, although Frank takes credit cards in addition to cash.
Having trouble finding what you need? Frank knows every inch of his store and can quickly put his hand on what you are asking for. And if it isn’t in stock, he’ll order the item and deliver it to you the next day.
The store’s variety, convenience, and knowledgeable proprietor keep Woodson Falls residents coming back frequently, if only to browse.