Nestled in the heart of New York City’s iconic West Village, a neighborhood celebrated for its timeless charm, historic brownstones, and vibrant community spirit, stands a true Manhattan institution: Garber Hardware. Our own memories of living on Charles Street are deeply intertwined with the quaint, tree-lined streets and the indispensable presence of Garber Hardware, a name that eventually inspired this very blog. Since 1884, this family-owned establishment has served generations of New Yorkers, providing not just tools and supplies, but invaluable advice and a sense of enduring local heritage.
During our time as residents, we had the distinct pleasure of meeting Nathaniel Garber Schoen, the fifth-generation owner who now skillfully steers this historic ship. Beyond helping us navigate the inevitable quirks of apartment living with practical solutions, Nathaniel also generously shared his expertise, contributing insightful articles to our blog, such as “Fixing a Running Toilet” and “Making a Magnetic Bulletin Board.” These contributions underscore the deep well of knowledge and practical skills that define the Garber Hardware experience.
In an era increasingly dominated by chain stores and impersonal online retailers, the survival and flourishing of family-owned businesses like Garber Hardware are truly remarkable. They imbue New York City’s diverse neighborhoods with an unmatched depth, character, and a vital connection to the past. These aren’t just stores; they are community pillars, repositories of history, and indispensable resources for local residents. We recently reconnected with Nathaniel to delve deeper into the enduring legacy of his store, the unique dynamics of his customer base, and, of course, to glean his ultimate DIY wisdom.
The Enduring Legacy of Garber Hardware: A Conversation with Nathaniel Garber Schoen
CH: Nathaniel, you represent the fifth generation to operate Garber Hardware, and your store’s history is incredibly unique, deeply woven into the very fabric of New York City. Could you please share the fascinating background of Garber Hardware and your family’s journey?
Nathaniel: Our family’s story, like so many others in New York, begins with immigration and the pursuit of a better life. The Garbers arrived in the United States from Odessa, Russia, in the late 1800s, seeking refuge from the widespread Pogroms that threatened Russian Jews at that time. My great-great-grandfather, Joseph Garber, along with his son (my great-grandfather and namesake), Nathan Garber, initially established Garber Hardware not as a storefront, but as a resourceful ‘pushcart retailer.’ This humble beginning allowed them to serve the burgeoning city streets, laying the groundwork for what would become a permanent fixture. It wasn’t until 1884 that they officially opened the doors to our brick-and-mortar store on Eighth Avenue and Horatio Street. From that pivotal moment forward, a Garber from each subsequent generation has proudly taken the helm, ensuring the continuity of our family’s commitment to the community and to the trade.
CH: The DIY and home improvement retail landscape has dramatically shifted with the rise of massive big-box retailers. How has Garber Hardware, a local and independent business, not only managed to survive but genuinely thrive amidst such formidable competition?
Nathaniel: It’s a question we get asked often, and there are a few key factors at play. Firstly, our strategic location within Manhattan has certainly provided a degree of shielding from the ubiquitous presence of big-box retailers. Many parts of Manhattan simply aren’t conducive to the sprawling footprints these stores require. But more profoundly, it’s what we call the “Garber’s experience” that cultivates such deep customer loyalty. We’re not just selling products; we’re providing personalized service, expert advice, and a connection that larger stores simply cannot replicate. I frequently encounter customers who share vivid childhood memories of visiting our store, some even recalling their parents and grandparents being customers. This multi-generational connection fosters an incredible sense of trust and belonging. Interestingly, when a Home Depot opened on 23rd Street a few years ago, I anticipated a potential negative impact. However, the reality was quite the opposite; I genuinely believe it may have even driven more business our way, as some customers, after a frustrating experience elsewhere, appreciate our focused expertise and personal touch even more.
CH: What specific advantages do you believe Garber Hardware holds over retail giants like Home Depot and Lowe’s, especially in the context of urban living and specialized needs?
Nathaniel: Our primary advantages boil down to two crucial elements: selection and unparalleled customer service. There’s a common misconception, particularly among those unfamiliar with independent hardware stores, that a 60,000-square-foot big-box store must inherently offer ten times the selection of our 6,000-square-foot space. However, this is far from the truth. While they may have more of certain high-volume items, we meticulously curate our inventory to cater specifically to the needs of urban dwellers and niche projects, often stocking hard-to-find components that big box stores wouldn’t bother with. Beyond our extensive and specialized selection, our true strength lies in our ability to work one-on-one with customers throughout the entire duration of their project. If a customer needs a rare or discontinued item, we leverage our network and knowledge to search for it, acquire it, or offer a viable, high-quality alternative. Crucially, we don’t just stock a vast array of items; we possess the deep knowledge of what to do with them and how to use virtually everything on our shelves. Furthermore, we prioritize honest advice over a quick sale. I’ve often sent customers home empty-handed because, quite frankly, they didn’t need to purchase anything from us to achieve their goal. It’s these small, genuine acts of service and integrity that consistently bring our customers back, time and again, forging relationships built on trust rather than transactional exchanges.
CH: Given the demand for local hardware stores, do you have any plans for expansion or opening additional locations?
Nathaniel: Absolutely, the desire to expand is strong, and I’ve invested a considerable amount of time and effort into researching potential opportunities. Unfortunately, the cost of doing business in New York City, particularly when it comes to commercial real estate, is incredibly prohibitive. To date, I haven’t found an opportunity that makes sound financial sense. What’s even more frustrating is the clear demand in several neighborhoods that are at the top of my list for a second store. These communities are desperate for even a scaled-down version of Garber Hardware, craving the convenience and expertise we offer. Yet, the exorbitant cost of commercial space in those areas has consistently priced me out of the market. It’s a constant challenge balancing the clear need with the harsh economic realities of operating in NYC.
CH: From your extensive experience, what are the most common home improvement queries and issues you regularly help New Yorkers solve?
Nathaniel: Without a doubt, clogged drains and running toilets are consistently at the top of the list for apartment dwellers. These are perennial problems in any city, often exacerbated by older plumbing systems common in many NYC buildings. Household electrical projects, such as installing dimmers, replacing light fixtures, or troubleshooting minor wiring issues, are also incredibly popular. And, of course, pest control is a universal concern here. It’s an unavoidable reality of dense urban living; virtually everyone in New York City, no matter how meticulous, will encounter mice or roaches at least once in their lifetime. We provide the tools and advice to tackle these unwelcome guests effectively.
CH: Beyond the common repairs, what are some of the unique challenges that New York apartment dwellers face when it comes to home improvement and maintenance?
Nathaniel: Storage, or rather the lack thereof, is a constant and pervasive challenge in any major city, and New York is certainly no exception. Space is a luxury here, and residents are always looking for creative solutions to maximize every square inch. This often leads to customers wanting to undertake projects like installing a dishwasher or a washer/dryer unit “on the sly.” While not always feasible due to building regulations or space constraints, it’s often doable with the right approach and careful planning. For building owners, an ongoing and significant challenge is the imperative to diligently keep up with Historic Preservation rules and regulations, especially if they own a designated landmark property. These regulations, while crucial for preserving the city’s architectural heritage, can add layers of complexity and cost to even minor repairs or renovations, requiring specialized materials and approved methods.
CH: We’re currently compiling a DIY City Guide specifically for New York, and naturally, Garber Hardware is at the very top of our list. Are there any other independent shops or vendors in the city that you would highly recommend including for our readers?
Nathaniel: This question genuinely makes me a little wistful, as many of the wonderful vendors that immediately come to mind have either regrettably gone out of business or have been forced to relocate to one of the outer boroughs due to rising costs. However, there are still some incredible gems that continue to thrive in Manhattan and beyond. Still holding strong in Manhattan – and thank goodness for that! – is Aronson’s Floor Covering. I absolutely adore that store, but a word to the wise: you might want to subtly convey that you’re “in the trade” when you visit, as they predominantly cater to interior designers and professional installers. Historically, they’ve actually been around even longer than Garber’s, established circa 1867, though ownership has changed hands three times through different families, most recently in the 1960s. So, don’t let the wonderful women who run the place try to claim seniority on me; we’ve been playfully debating that point for years! Another ancient and indispensable spot still in the city is George Taylor Specialties. If I ever find myself without an obscure or antique plumbing part, this is precisely where I direct my customers. Their unique strength is that if they don’t have it, they possess the incredible capability to custom-make it, thanks to their on-site machine shop – a feature I often wish I had myself! For specialized parts and raw materials, I’ve always held a high regard for Standard Tinsmiths and Grand Brass. While both were once Manhattan staples, I believe they have now relocated to Long Island City, still accessible and invaluable resources for the serious DIYer or professional.
CH: When you’re not busy empowering New Yorkers to fix and improve their homes, where can we find you, and what do you enjoy doing to relax outside of the store?
Nathaniel: Well, humorously enough, my art studio is actually located right in the back of my store, so there are many occasions when I find my moments of relaxation inside the store itself. The look on customers’ faces is priceless when I pop out of the studio to grab something from the shelves, and they solicit help, only for me to playfully tell them, “Sorry, I’m off today!” Of course, most of the time, especially if it’s busy, I’ll stop what I’m doing and happily pitch in. My true “happy place”, however, is undoubtedly in the snow. I make every effort to take as much time off as possible during the winter months to go snowboarding. It’s not uncommon for me to be quite elusive in the store for much of February! My regular customers have learned that if a significant snowstorm rolls in on a Saturday, it’s best to call ahead before visiting on Sunday, just to confirm I’ve actually shown up to open. This became particularly clear a few winters ago when I famously stuck a sign on the front door late one Saturday night that simply read “closed for powder day” and drove straight up to Vermont! The wonderful thing about having such a tight-knit and understanding customer base is that they truly get it; they even encourage these occasional schedule lapses. But rest assured, most of the time, we do our absolute best to ensure the store operates precisely as posted.
CH: Being situated in Greenwich Village, a neighborhood renowned for its strong community ties, is Garber Hardware actively involved with any local events or organizations?
Nathaniel: Community engagement is incredibly important to us at Garber Hardware. We strive to contribute wherever and whenever we can. We regularly donate essential supplies to local parks and various other non-profit organizations upon request. Certain times of the year, we organize and collect food donations to support those in need within our community. We also proudly participate in a battery-recycling program, helping to promote environmental responsibility in an urban setting. On a more personal note, I have a deep love for animals, and my dog, Kodos, is undeniably the most popular employee in Garber’s long history! I am a huge supporter of animal shelters and have forged a wonderful partnership with Animal Haven Soho. Essentially, we serve as their on-call handy-people; whenever something at the shelter needs a fix, I get the call. We also have the immense joy of hosting puppy adoptions every Sunday afternoon right here in the store. There’s truly nothing that makes a day at work more fun and rewarding than spending it with a wheelbarrow full of adorable puppies!
CH: Nathaniel, thank you so much for your time and for sharing such invaluable insights. To conclude, could you leave our readers with your absolute favorite home improvement tip?
Nathaniel: My most consistent piece of advice, something I tell people all the time, is simply: “Just go for it.” Don’t be afraid to make a mess; don’t be afraid to put a hole in something. The biggest hurdle for many is simply starting. Get in there, roll up your sleeves, and get to work. It’s important to remember that most DIY projects are going to take unexpected twists and turns, and you just need to be patient and flexible enough to roll with those challenges. Very few projects truly require you to be a member of a trade union to complete them successfully. What you truly need is the confidence to attempt the project, coupled with an abundance of patience. Lots and lots of patience will see you through!
Most days, you’ll find Nathaniel at Garber Hardware, an essential hub for DIY enthusiasts and seasoned professionals alike. Located at 710 Greenwich Street, New York, NY 10014, you can also reach them by phone at 212.242.9807 for expert advice and assistance.
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