It may be hard to find a more appropriately named store in the area than Happy Hardware in New Ipswich, where de facto manager Lisa Belliveau makes sure people have the most fun they’ve ever had in a hardware store.

 “I don’t want anyone to ever come out of here and say, ‘Well it wasn’t this’ or ‘It wasn’t that’ – it has to be a positive experience from the time you walk in to the time you leave,” she said. 

One of the best things about New Hampshire, and specifically New Ipswich, is the “hometown feel,” Belliveau said. It’s a “feel” she works to maintain in the store by treating every customer like they’re old friends – and many times, they are. Belliveau had a long conversation with a regular who only ended up buying a couple of screws.

It’s that kind of customer experience that Happy Hardware owners Arthur and Barbara Kalioras work to offer residents of New Ipswich and surrounding towns after opening Happy Hardware last October. The Kaliorases, owners of Sonny’s Market next door and Sonny’s Main Street Restaurant in Henniker, had heard from their patrons about the lack of a local hardware store in town, and decided to step up and fill that void.

“We had an open unit,” Arthur Kalioras, the owner of the plaza on Turnpike Road, said. “So we said, ‘We’re going to bring you a hardware store.’”

Previously, the lack of a hardware store in town meant residents had to drive to surrounding towns if they needed hardware. Now, thanks to Happy Hardware, residents can save time and money while supporting a local business.

“People are very happy we’re in town,” Arthur said. “I had a guy yesterday who didn’t know there was a hardware store here. He had to travel to Townsend, Mass., or Jaffrey, or Peterborough to get whatever he needed.”

But after learning about the opening of Happy Hardware, Arthur said the man was excited and relieved that he wouldn’t have to travel far for his hardware needs.

“Everybody’s reaction was excitement and positivity,” Belliveau added.

Arthur Kalioras, who started his first restaurant in 1982, is no stranger to running a business, and said that the key to a successful small business is loyal employees. He and Belliveau both said that their relationship was closer to friends than coworkers, which allows them to run the business smoothly and bring positive energy to every customer that walks in the door.

“We have a team with heart,” Belliveau said. “From owners to key-holders to part-timers.”

Arthur agreed, saying, “That’s half the battle right there.”

While the store had its soft opening on Oct. 29 of last year, and business has been steadily growing, Arthur said he intends to help get the world out with a grand opening event tentatively planned for the spring, once the weather gets warmer.

“We’re planning to do a grand opening. We’re going to have a huge cookout for all of our customers – and potential customers – to come in, look at the place, walk around,” he said, adding that it would be a great way to introduce people to the store and get their ideas and feedback.

Happy Hardware offers a variety of products and services, including a full selection of paints from California Paints, a key machine for making and copying keys, plus anything a local home or business owner might need for maintenance and repairs. The store is open Monday through Saturday from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m., and Sunday from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. – a point of particular pride for the Kaliorases and Belliveau, as they noted that many stores in town, and other nearby hardware stores, were closed on Sundays.

Happy Hardware is at 800 Turnpike Road in New Ipswich, next to Sonny’s Market. The store’s Facebook page includes store updates and upcoming deals.