Step back in time with Grimbles Hardware

As a person enters the storefront located at 18 W. Main St., they are instantly transported to a different time, and reminded of Lockport’s past.

Grimbles, a third-generation family owned business, was first opened in Lockport by Bob Grimble in 1920 as a gas station. In the 1930s, the business relocated to its current 18 W. Main St. location, where it continued to act as a full service Mobil gas station and garage, slowly moving in the direction of selling hardware.

In the late 1940s, Bob Grimble, Jr., and his sister Helen took over, closing the garage and creating a gift shop and hardware store. Grimbles Hardware has been filling Lockport’s building and repair needs every since.

The business is currently owned by Doug Roberts, who said he wanted to continue with his family heritage, which led him to work at the store.

Grimbles Hardware offers a wide variety of products, including locks, tools, stains, and other buildings and repair basics. Roberts said a big part of his business is in window and screen repair.

Another draw to customers is the key wall, which features more than 50,000 keys. Roberts said they could make any type of key, from old skeleton keys to the new modern computerized chip keys.

“We have all different shapes and sizes,” he said.

Grimbles Hardware also attracts tourists into the shop with their historical memorabilia, such as one of the first fire hydrants built by Lockport inventor Birdsill Holly and an original gas pump from Grimbles gas station days.

Another attraction is the basement train display.

Grimbles first began selling train parts and accessories in the 1940s.

“Hardware stores sold trains back in the day,” said Roberts. “We’ve continued that.”

The store has two original working Lionel train displays for people to enjoy, along with selling trains, parts and accessories.

“People love to come in,” said Roberts. “They like how businesses use to be run back in the day and we remind them. Customers like the personal service and personal attention.”

Roberts said over their 92 years of business in Lockport, they have seen many repeat customers.

He said people are also always amazed when they come into the store for the first time as see the wide variety of merchandise they have.

Grimbles Hardware is open from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Mondays though Saturdays.

For more information call 434-1790 or visit their Facebook page.