Nine years after buying Vassar Building Center, Mike and Brenda MacKay had built the business into a thriving, pro lumberyard and hardware store. Strong, consistent sales allowed them to regularly expand. However, while the location was performing well, their existing building couldn’t support their vision for growth. If they wanted to move forward, they would have to find a new, larger location.
When you're ready to achieve your dreams,
Do it Best is ready to get you there.
Partner With Us
Tomorrow Today
Nine years after buying Vassar Building Center, Mike and Brenda MacKay had built the business into a thriving, pro lumberyard and hardware store. Strong, consistent sales allowed them to regularly expand. However, while the location was performing well, their existing building couldn’t support their vision for growth. If they wanted to move forward, they would have to find a new, larger location.
“We had a 10,000-square-foot store, but half of that was kitchen and bath,” said Mike. “There were so many good trends we wanted to get into — but we simply didn’t have the space to do it.”
At the same time, intensive research, exploration, and planning had paid off for the Do it Best store design team. They had just finalized comprehensive plans for the next generation of Do it Best stores. They needed an owner who was willing to be the first prototype store. Mike and Brenda eagerly stepped forward to be those partners.
“It was really humbling, a real honor,” said Mike. “They said it was a great opportunity for the co-op, and I knew it was a great opportunity for us.”
The new store plans are ambitious and innovative, providing a fresh new look for store design while improving the in-store shopping experience and store performance.
“We want to help members differentiate themselves in their marketplace,” said Cherié Jacobs, Do it Best store development manager. “The new design is flexible, scalable, and affordable, giving members the freedom to create a unique store experience that appeals to their customers.”
Tomorrow Today
Nine years after buying Vassar Building Center, Mike and Brenda MacKay had built the business into a thriving, pro lumberyard and hardware store. Strong, consistent sales allowed them to regularly expand. However, while the location was performing well, their existing building couldn’t support their vision for growth. If they wanted to move forward, they would have to find a new, larger location.
“We had a 10,000-square-foot store, but half of that was kitchen and bath,” said Mike. “There were so many good trends we wanted to get into — but we simply didn’t have the space to do it.”
At the same time, intensive research, exploration, and planning had paid off for the Do it Best store design team. They had just finalized comprehensive plans for the next generation of Do it Best stores. They needed an owner who was willing to be the first prototype store. Mike and Brenda eagerly stepped forward to be those partners.
“It was really humbling, a real honor,” said Mike. “They said it was a great opportunity for the co-op, and I knew it was a great opportunity for us.”
The new store plans are ambitious and innovative, providing a fresh new look for store design while improving the in-store shopping experience and store performance.
“We want to help members differentiate themselves in their marketplace,” said Cherié Jacobs, Do it Best store development manager. “The new design is flexible, scalable, and affordable, giving members the freedom to create a unique store experience that appeals to their customers.”
Vassar Building Center showcases a dramatic new option in Do it Best store design. Exterior design elements give the store a contemporary look and feel. The color palette incorporates warm neutral greys, accented by touches of bold red. Clean, easy-to-read store signage is positioned off center, making the store name a major focal point. Customers are welcomed by a large red awning that draws them to the entrance.
The entrance opens into a spacious, brightly lit store and a welcoming atmosphere. Charcoal grey store fixtures with neutral pegboard reflect the clean aesthetic of the exterior and make the merchandise the star attraction. Overhead, large “ceiling clouds” are suspended over departments to help guide customers through the space.
Perimeter signage incorporates oversized wall graphics featuring historic photos from Vassar Building Center’s past, inspirational messages about supporting local business, and promotional product photography. The imagery works together to create an engaging, locally relevant shopping experience that is unique to Vassar Building Center.
“The new design gives us the opportunity to tell our story and share our values and beliefs,” said Mike.
To enhance the customer experience, Do it Best reimagined the endcaps to tell a product story. Each endcap focuses on related products. For example, workwear is displayed with boots, gloves, and safety glasses; power drills are paired with drill bits, batteries, and bit sets; an assembled grill is accompanied by grilling tools, coolers, and a lawn chair. Some endcaps feature digital signage that can easily be changed to tell a new story to customers with every visit.
“The endcap stories are extremely flexible,” said Cherié. “The member has total control over which departments stand out. This opens tremendous opportunities to adjust the customer experience seasonally.”
Vassar Building Center showcases a dramatic new option in Do it Best store design. Exterior design elements give the store a contemporary look and feel. The color palette incorporates warm neutral greys, accented by touches of bold red. Clean, easy-to-read store signage is positioned off center, making the store name a major focal point. Customers are welcomed by a large red awning that draws them to the entrance.
The entrance opens into a spacious, brightly lit store and a welcoming atmosphere. Charcoal grey store fixtures with neutral pegboard reflect the clean aesthetic of the exterior and make the merchandise the star attraction. Overhead, large “ceiling clouds” are suspended over departments to help guide customers through the space.
Perimeter signage incorporates oversized wall graphics featuring historic photos from Vassar Building Center’s past, inspirational messages about supporting local business, and promotional product photography. The imagery works together to create an engaging, locally relevant shopping experience that is unique to Vassar Building Center.
“The new design gives us the opportunity to tell our story and share our values and beliefs,” said Mike.
To enhance the customer experience, Do it Best reimagined the endcaps to tell a product story. Each endcap focuses on related products. For example, workwear is displayed with boots, gloves, and safety glasses; power drills are paired with drill bits, batteries, and bit sets; an assembled grill is accompanied by grilling tools, coolers, and a lawn chair. Some endcaps feature digital signage that can easily be changed to tell a new story to customers with every visit.
“The endcap stories are extremely flexible,” said Cherié. “The member has total control over which departments stand out. This opens tremendous opportunities to adjust the customer experience seasonally.”
“It’s a different merchandising and marketing approach for us,” said Mike. “But we have gotten a lot of compliments from our customers — they say it’s easy to shop here.”
The MacKays took full advantage of the new floor space, stocking their new store the way they always wished they could. They expanded their selection of best-selling categories, including power tools, workwear, and boots. They upgraded their paint department, adding The Color Bar to create more opportunities to interact with their customers. Best of all, they were finally able to take advantage of their customers’ latest buying trends, including grills, hunting gear, and outdoor furniture.
“We were amazed at the products and categories we could get into and sell,” said Mike. “We started with the traditional products people want to see in a home center, and then we pushed the boundaries to add things our customers were surprised and excited to find.”
Inside and out, the new Vassar Building Center is a testimony to what is possible when business owners who are fully committed to growth share their vision with a co-op that is fully committed to helping them achieve that success.
“Do it Best really put 100% of their efforts into our business,” said Mike. “They pushed us out of our comfort zone, but we’re really glad they did. We know that we can dominate our market with a store like this.”
This story does not end with the MacKays and Vassar Building Center. Do it Best is actively engaging with more members ready to lead the way into the future — members like you.
“It’s a different merchandising and marketing approach for us,” said Mike. “But we have gotten a lot of compliments from our customers — they say it’s easy to shop here.”
The MacKays took full advantage of the new floor space, stocking their new store the way they always wished they could. They expanded their selection of best-selling categories, including power tools, workwear, and boots. They upgraded their paint department, adding The Color Bar to create more opportunities to interact with their customers. Best of all, they were finally able to take advantage of their customers’ latest buying trends, including grills, hunting gear, and outdoor furniture.
“We were amazed at the products and categories we could get into and sell,” said Mike. “We started with the traditional products people want to see in a home center, and then we pushed the boundaries to add things our customers were surprised and excited to find.”
Inside and out, the new Vassar Building Center is a testimony to what is possible when business owners who are fully committed to growth share their vision with a co-op that is fully committed to helping them achieve that success.
“Do it Best really put 100% of their efforts into our business,” said Mike. “They pushed us out of our comfort zone, but we’re really glad they did. We know that we can dominate our market with a store like this.”
This story does not end with the MacKays and Vassar Building Center. Do it Best is actively engaging with more members ready to lead the way into the future — members like you.
