Walnut Creek Hardware opened its doors in 2008 and quickly positioned itself as the “go-to” hardware store in the area offering a wide selection of convenient core hardware and garden products. Catering to the higher-end demographics in the surrounding area, the store began to focus on designer Benjamin Moore paints and color consulting alongside a distinctive giftware section to take advantage of paint clientele waiting for their product.
The store subsequently expanded into an unused parking lot and an adjacent building, in the process creating a specialty nursery and dedicated outdoor living department featuring grilling and patio merchandise.
Perhaps the most distinctive aspect of the Walnut Creek Hardware store experience is in the store’s décor; including the reason the business is known widely as “The Ace with the Train.” Walnut Creek Hardware features an extensive “G-scale” model train which runs around the store on an elevated track that includes two rail lines looping above the power aisle and around the check-out area. The track also showcases various handcrafted model replicas of famous bridges in the area, including the Golden Gate Bridge, New Bay Bridge, the Tower Bridge in Sacramento and a rail trestle bridge in Benicia.
Walnut Creek Hardware donates extensively to local charities, offers free delivery to the local retirement community, and serves as a major employer for the local community with a staff ranging from age 16 to 78 which peaks at 65 employees during the summer months.
