Owned by Ray and Lisa Heins, Heins Hardware boasts both hardware store items, as well as a nice selection of gift items on the second floor, known as Lisa's Loft.
PORT AUSTIN — If you're looking to check multiple things off your shopping list this weekend, you'll probably want to visit Heins Hardware in downtown Port Austin.
The store is located at 8735 Lake St.
Owner Ray Heins runs the store with his wife, Lisa. The pair took over ownership of the business from Ray's parents in 2000.
When you hear hardware store, you probably think of items such as automotive supplies, building materials, cleaning supplies, doors and windows, electrical, hand tools, power tools and accessories, housewares, lawn and garden, outdoor living, paint and painting supplies, and plumbing supplies — and you'd be correct.
But while the hardware store itself is more than stocked up with would-be Christmas gifts, the upstairs is what makes the store entirely unique.
Upstairs is called Lisa's Loft, where shoppers can find stuff from local artists, antiques, vintage items, jewelry, books, journals, cards, nautical and cottage items, lodge decor, garden accessories, a large kitchen accessory department, toys, and many seasonal items. There is also a section called Re-Goods, which is repurposed items that Lisa hand picks and fixes up for a new purpose.
The hardware portion of the store will be open from 8:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. on Friday and Saturday, and Lisa's Loft will open from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. both days.
According to Ray, most Friday and Saturdays tend to be good days for the business. Over the big shopping weekend that includes Black Friday and Small Business Saturday, however, it can be somewhat weather dependent.
"Really it varies," he said of customer turnout over the years. "Last year, I don't think it was great, but then the year before that, it seemed like there were quite a few people around. I think weather might have a factor in that. If the weather doesn't look great, people don't stray too far out of the county. If it's a nice day, then people might be more apt to leave."
Aside from Black Friday and Small Business Saturday, the business will be participating in Port Austin's annual Silver Bells, which is a holiday shopping event in the village Nov. 30 through Dec. 2. During that weekend, Lisa's Loft will be open 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. Friday and 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday, and it will be offering 20 percent off Christmas items.