 Southern
Hardware began in 1914 as Lewis Supply Company, supplying mill supplies
to the timber and sawmill industry in the Mississippi and Arkanas
delta. Like most hardware wholesalers in the South, the company went
through several transitions as the market area evolved from timber
and farming to a more diversified economy and a network of independent
retail dealers emerged to serve the communities.
 Our
history as a hardware wholesaler began in 1950 and the name changed
to recognize our commitment to the retail dealer. The company was
purchased by T. G. Miller, manager of Lewis Supply since 1933, in
1952 and has remained owner operated since that time. Southern is
one of the few remaining family owned distributors to survive and
prosper during the industry shakeout of the 80-90's. During that
period the total number of hardware wholesalers dropped nationally
from over 300 to under 100, and from 6 to 1 in Arkanasas. Southern
Hardware has earned and maintained an excellent reputation for personal
service, competitive prices, broad regionally appropriate product
mix, financial position and integrity.
 Recognizing
the difficulty of competing in an industry dominated by larger
national companies, Southern Hardware joined Pro Hardware in 1992
to leverage its sound regional position with PRO's 3.1 billion dollar
buying power. By combining its purchase power with over 40 other
distributiors of hardware, paint and sundries, lawn, garden, farm
supplies, plumbing and electrical supplies, Southern is able to
bring its dealers national brands at competitive prices.
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