Larsen Ace Hardware in Canton Prepares for Expansion

Even as Larsen Ace Hardware plans to appear before the Canton Zoning Commission with expansion plans this week, its owners said improvements will center around one key aspect — the customer. 

That's exactly why a customer service desk will be located front and center as customers walk in through a new vestibule entrance. 

"When you walk in the door, you're going to get service," said Fred Larsen Sr. "We're not greeting; we're helping." 

This week, the store's owners and a representative from Kemper Associates Architects are slated to appear before the town's Zoning Commission with plans to occupy the entire building that houses the store and currently just one other business. 

The expansion would add an updated exterior, bring retail space to just under 10,000 square feet, expand the number of cash registers from 2 to 4 and use a one-line system. 

There's no plans to add any dramatic new product lines but will allow the store to expand offerings in several areas, bring all its operations under one roof and help eliminate long lines, especially on weekends, owners said. At the same time, the new entrance is designed to be centrally located so customers aren't overwhelmed by size.

"We want to make sure we keep the small-town and store feel," Fred Larsen Jr. said. 

The Larsen family has owned the store since 2002, after partnering with previous owner Phil Worley a few years earlier. 

Fred Larsen Jr. said the store has undergone many gradual changes and expansions over the years. 

The Larsens own the building and the one remaining tenant, the UPS Store, has a lease through November. 

Ideally all parties hope the changes can be planned for late summer or early fall, Fred Larsen Jr. said. 

Wednesday the business is seeking a site plan modification. 

In a staff report on the proposal, town planner Neil Pade noted a public hearing is not required, although the commission can opt to schedule one. 

"A public hearing is not recommended by staff due to the minor nature of the proposed changes," Pade wrote 

The commission will officially receive the application Wednesday and has 65 days to make a decision, according to the report. 

There are several business applications on Wednesday's agenda, including a plan by Saybrook Fish House to add outdoor dining. 

See the full agenda here.