After nearly five decades in the George family, the Home Hardware in Melfort is now Sauder Home Hardware. (Cam Lee/northeastNOW)

By Cam Lee

Home Hardware changes hands

Home Hardware in Melfort changes hands after 47 years

Jan 2, 2025 | 1:00 PM

The end of an era in Melfort marks the start of a new beginning.

After 47 years, the Home Hardware in Melfort – a flagship business on Main St. – is no longer in the George family.

Jeff and Ena McAuley have officially transferred ownership to Ira and Lisa Sauder and the store will now be known as Sauder Home Hardware.

Dozens of people stopped by the store on Tuesday to wish Jeff and Ena the best in their next steps, and welcomed Ira and Lisa as the new owners.

(Cam Lee/northeastNOW)

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The George family first purchased the hardware store in 1977, and later moved it to the former OK Economy grocery store site on Main St.

Former owner Glenn George and his sister Jodie address the crowd at Tuesday’s celebration. (Cam Lee/northeastNOW)

Glenn George purchased all shares from his father and sister, and he and his wife Peggy ran the store for many years before Ena George and her husband Jeff purchased the store in 2007.

Glenn said at the celebration he and Peggy were able to get the business to a certain level, and Ena and Jeff were able to exceed that. He said he had complete confidence that the Sauders would get the business to an even higher level, and he wished them all the best.

Jeff McAuley addressed the crowd and said while he wasn’t born in Melfort, everyone helped make it his home.

“It’s been very easy with this community,” McAuley said. “It’s been such a welcoming and easy community to be in. We’ve got fantastic customers; we’ve always had fantastic customers, and we’ve always had fantastic staff.”

He thanked the community, saying that without them, the McAuley’s wouldn’t have had success as the owners of George Home Hardware. Jeff added he is excited about the transition of ownership to the Sauder family.

“Today is a bittersweet day as we close this chapter of our lives in our family’s long-standing journey with Home Hardware in Melfort,” an emotional Ena McAuley said at the celebration.

Ena thanked all staff, both past and present, for their hard work and dedication through the years of their ownership. She also thanked the customers of Melfort and area for trusting them over the years, and Ena also welcomed the Sauder family as new owners, saying that they will uphold the values and commitment to service that’s always been the heart of the store.

Ira Sauder, his wife Lisa, and their three children were on hand to wish the McAuley’s and the George family as a whole the best in their next stage in life.

“Today is all about you guys, all of the hard work you guys have done,” said Ira, who added the size of the crowd on hand is a testament of what the George family has meant to the community.

“We want to thank you for everything and wish you all the best in whatever you choose to do.”

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Cam.lee@pattisonmedia.com

On X: @northeastNOW_SK