The Blog is back!
Hey everyone it’s been a while since our last blog post, we know. The good news are that there will be more updates, stories and product reviews to come during this 2011!
But first things first; we’d like to wish all our readers, customers and friends a wonderful 2011. We are sure this will be a year full of exciting changes and good things to come. As some of you may know by now our Cambridge store was closed for renovations, last December. After serving our neighbors and friends during 20 years, we decided it was time for a fresh new look. A new up-to-code space will be ready this spring, and we are positive that it will give all our customers a great shopping experience.
Moving wasn’t easy as you can imagine. We all had to go through an anticipated spring cleaning and a lot of sorting to be ready for packing. Slowly and with the help of our own moving team (a special shout out for Mike C, Matt B, Jake, John V, Sam, Dino, Johnny and Josh) we managed to move all products, gondolas, shelves, and more to our Boston and Brookline locations, and move our offices to the new location in Wakefield – MA.
If you are one of our loyal Cambridge customers we would like to welcome you to our closest store in Boston. Just by crossing the Charles River, you’ll get to our Boston store located right across the Christian Science Center. Easy to reach, it is only at a 15 minute ride if you are traveling on the No.1 MBTA Bus or at a 6 minute drive if you have your own car.
As you can see, we’ve started our year embracing this new changes and working hard to make of this experience a rewarding one. We’ll be planning and preparing to come back better and stronger.
If you have any questions, suggestions about the product selection, feedback on your shopping experience or just want to say hi, feel free to send us an e-mail (info@citylivingstores.com) and we’ll make sure to address them. If you need directions to our other locations give us a call at 617.864.3300 or click here for store information. Finally, if you are interested in any updates about the progress on our Cambridge location you can go to our website and follow the link on our homepage or click here to sign up to our newsletter.
Economy Hardware Cardboard and Single Stream Recycling - Data provided by Save That Stuff
We are happy to announce that since we started our Recycling Program back in May we’ve had great progress towards our ‘no waste’ goal. Since then, we have recycled a total of 8.785 Tons of Cardboard and 1.235 tons of Single-Stream materials between the three stores. After getting our certification as a Sustainable Business Leader we’ve kept working together as a team to bring our standards even higher and become a more sustainable retail business!
Ahhhh moving season… it’s like having everyone in the city switch places during the same day! All the packing, the planning and the buying are just too much if you tell me. Moving to a new place feels like going through a very strict and thorough spring cleaning, don’t you think?
Although, the good thing about it is that you get to make some nice changes on how you want your new place to look, what gets to stay or go and what new things you’ll be getting. This time I’d like to talk to you about sofas, in fact sleeper sofas.
When making a decision about a new sofa there are many things to consider. How much space you have in your living room, how big is your stairwell when bringing it in, what kind of sofa are you looking for, what’s your budget. All of them important during the decision making process.
At Economy Hardware we’ve always striven to offer a great selection. From the click-clack style fold down sofa, to the pull down cushion lightweight loveseat or the standard futon frame we all know. All great candidates if you are looking for a new sofa.
Sunset Furniture
Sunset sleeper sofas are not only ridiculously comfortable but also durable. They come with an awesome storage space under the cushion, which is one of my favorite features if you ask me. Folding one out is as easy as lifting the lower cushion until you hear a ‘click’ and for putting it back in place just lift the same lower cushion until you hear a ‘clack’, that’s it!
Manufactured with a solid wood frame, easy to clean fabrics and an innerspring mattress, this piece of furniture will surely make a lovely addition to any room.
Klote International
Klote’s pull out loveseats are the perfect solution if you don’t have a lot of space. They are extremely light-weight but durable, made from EPS – Expandable Polystyrene allowing just one person to carry the whole thing with no problem. Get this low maintenance, ready to use sleeper just pull out the top cushion and stretch it out. Voila! You won’t have to sacrifice having your friends sleep over ever again, unless you want to.
Futon Frames and Pads
If you are more interested in a futon we also carry great frames and pads. Featuring Goldbond’s microfiber coiled spring futon pads which allow greater support, comfort and durability.
Check out our video and see what we have to offer. Don’t forget to stop by and take a peek on all new arrivals and good luck with your entire moving and new place set up!
For this immediate grilling season we are introducing a couple of products that will make grilling much more eco-conscious. From Cape Cod Fire Log we are bringing the new Cooking Briquettes and Fire Starters. Locally made from 100% recycled wood, we guarantee both products will deliver superior performance compared to charcoal, cordwood and other fire log products in the market.
Low Impact Cooking Briquettes and Fire Starters from Cape Cod
Established in early 2009 Cape Cod Fire Logs was created to transform discarded wood from mill shops and construction projects into premium fire burning products. Built by compression, without incorporating additives, this product sure is 100% natural wood.
So don’t think it twice when buying your grilling supplies, Cape Cod Cooking Briquettes and Fire Starters will make your life not only easier but greener. Here are some good reasons why we think this product is worth to use;
- Clean burning wood products
- Made of 100% recycled wood products – made of discarded wood from mill shops and construction projects
- High quality, convenient, natural alternative
- No chemical additives or wax of any kind
- Easy to light, burns up to 3 times longer and hotter than cordwood
- Less smoke therefore less carbon monoxide and carbon dioxide
- Delivers superior performance compared to charcoal, cordwood and other fire log products
- Supports our local economy since they are manufactured in Cape Cod – Massachusetts
Do you want to know how to attract birds to your yard? You most likely want a feeder and seed, but do you know where or how to hang the feeder and how to take care of the feeder? One way of attracting birds to your yard is to include bird baths and bird houses in your yard. These products may attract birds that do not eat at feeders; otherwise you may not see them in your yard at all!
Bird Feeders will attract different kinds of birds from your area.
Hanging Your Feeder
Birds like to feed in the sun and out of the wind, for that matter hanging your feeder in a sheltered southeastern spot will be best. Not having any obstructions over their feeding area can help them see any predators. If it’s the first time you have a bird feeder we suggest you to wait several weeks for the birds to discover it. Try putting a shiny pie pan with some seed in it underneath the feeder to attract them. Hang your feeder away from trees, bushes fences or buildings. This will prevent squirrels and predators climbing or jumping onto the feeder.
If you must hang the feeder on a tree, keep it at least six feet from the trunk or the tree limbs. A squirrel baffle over the feeder will prevent squirrels from climbing down the wire used to hang your feeder.
If you are using Hummingbird feeders you should hang it out of direct sunlight, away from windy areas and out of reach of cats. Placing the feeder around trumpeting flowers will help attract more birds to your feeder.
Feeder Care
If you really want to attract birds to your yard and have them come and visit regularly, you must take good care of your feeders. Keeping your feeder clean and full of fresh seed is very important to the health of visiting birds. We recommend cleaning your seed feeder every two weeks and your hummingbird feeder every week.
You can use a mild soap and water solution or if additional cleaning is needed you can use diluted vinegar. We DON’T recommend putting any bird feeders into your dishwasher for cleaning.
Other ways to help attract birds
Bird Baths
Did you know birds must keep their feathers clean to be able to fly properly? That’s why a clean and reliable water source is an excellent way to attract birds to your yard. The best bird baths have a shallow basin with a slight slope where birds can wade into the water.
Keep your bird baths in the shade; it will keep the water from evaporating quickly and will keep it cool and fresh. Find a spot near trees or shrubs if possible; once the birds take their bath they like to dry off on a safe place away from predators. Birds wet from bathing don’t fly well making them more vulnerable.
Make sure you determine what species of birds you want to attract before getting a bird house.
Bird Houses
Another great way to attract birds to your yard is by having bird houses; especially for those species that nest in holes. You should first make sure you determine what species of birds you want to attract (Bluebirds, Wrens and Flickers are all nesting birds) and get an appropriate bird house for that species. Make sure that the species is in fact native to your area of the country.
When buying a bird house make sure it is made of an untreated wood (pine, cedar, etc) and it has ventilation and drainage holes.
Now that you have these great tips, find a good spot in your yard and start bringing lovely sounds and colors to your back yard. Start enjoying being outside surrounded by nature.
To shop Bird Feeders click here
Knowing the difference between potting soil, potting mix and plant food can be very helpful for the enthusiast gardener. All three are essential for the good growth of indoor and outdoor healthy plants.
Potting Soil
If the package reads “potting soil”, means it may contain some dirt or top soil or, it could be mostly composted bark fines and manure along with other products. It’s important to always read the label, looking for a blend that does include dirt in some form. Generally speaking, you should expect some form of dirt as one of the ingredients.
Potting Soil Uses
- Fill raised beds
- Fill low or bald spots in your yard
Potting Mix
When it comes to potting mix, we are talking about a sterile mix that will contain things like sphagnum moss, perlite, and vermiculite. The potting mix compound is of different size particles to allow flow of water and air in a container.
Potting mix is a soil-less growing media suitable for containers. A good potting mix is made up of particles much larger in size than soil particles. This is vital in a container because while the earth has a constant stream of water and air moving through it, a container does not. It needs to be of a larger particle size and capable of holding more air as well as capable of being watered more often (which brings fresh air in) without drowning the plants.
Potting Mix Uses
- Planting seeds
- Indoor plants or root cuttings
Plant Food
Also known as fertilizer, it refers to additives that are given to impart nutrients to soil. Plants need these nutrients in order to survive and thrive, especially since soil loses its nutrients over time. The key is to understand what plants need and how they must be fed.
Generally speaking, fertilizer isn’t necessary when plants are deep green in color and healthy in appearance. However, yellowing leaves and slow growth are signs a plant needs fertilizer.
Types of Plant Food
Plant food typically comes in granular, slow-release and water-soluble varieties.
- Granular plant food usually is spread atop soil or incorporated into it and is among the most cost-effective options available.
- Slow-release fertilizer lasts as long as three months and delivers a steady stream of nutrients when spread around plants or mixed into soil
- Water-soluble plant food gets mixed with water, feeds plants immediately through roots and foliage and is likeliest to promote big plants with plentiful flowers and vegetables
Fourth Annual Customer Service Champs Ranking List
Last March 1st Business Week magazine released their fourth annual ranking list for Customer Service Champs. Based on existing data from J.D. Power & Associates they assessed customer service by looking into two main measures: The perceived quality of a company’s staff and what customers think of its processes such as return policies or reservation procedures.
Here’s what they said about True Value:
No. 22 True Value
A new customer feedback program in 2009 is giving True Value’s more than 5,000 co-op hardware stores more detail on what customers think of their individual stores. “When you hear from actual customers, it brings you down to earth a little bit,” says CEO Lyle Heidemann. A team of 95 “retail consultants” from True Value’s corporate office is helping local stores mine that data to schedule staff better during the busiest times of the week.
Source Business Week Magazine March 1, 2010
This season Economy Hardware brings a wide range of urban grills that will serve different needs. From the portable Smokey Joe to the Q100 Gas Grill, you’ll be able to find the best grills in the market.
This season Economy Hardware brings a range of urban grills that will serve your specific needs.
14-1/2″ Smokey Joe Silver – Black
The most durable and rust resistant portable grill!
This porcelain on steel finish bowl and lid comes with a heat resistant nylon handle, removable legs and a 10 year limited warranty from the manufacturer. Enjoy great BBQs with the help of Weber’s cookbook and its 14.5 inch diameter cooking area. Dimensions: 17”H x 14.25”W x 14.5”D
Q140 Silver Electric Grill
Stop worrying about getting charcoal or gas for that BBQ. The only thing you’ll need to worry about for this perfect urban grill is finding a plug!
This Q Series electric grill has a total cooking area of 189 SQIN, a removable catch pan for easy cleaning and a stainless steel cooking grate. Its glass reinforced nylon frame will protect you from getting burned and its strong and rust resistant cast aluminum lid and body will ensure you get a long lasting product. The grill comes with a 6FT grounded cord. Dimensions: 23.5”H x 27”W x 20.5”D
Remember this is an OUTDOOR USE ONLY Grill!
18-1/2″ One Touch Charcoal Kettle
Part of the Silver Series this grill’s porcelain-enameled lid and bowl are made of aluminized steel One-Touch cleaning system. With a plated steel cooking grate and an 18.5” diameter cooking area this grill is meant to be the protagonist of your BBQ. Easy to move with its crack proof all-weather wheels use and its heat resistant nylon handles. The grill has a 10 year limited warranty from the manufacturer. Weber Cookbook included. Dimensions: 35”H x 23”W x 18.5”D
Portable Table Top Gas Grill
Looking for the ultimate easy to carry and store grill? Look no more, this black portable table top gas grill is the perfect fit for you. Comes with a flavorizer system and igniter to use in its 160 SQIN cooking area. Legs that fold to lock lid in place for easy carrying and storage and heat resistant nylon handle. It uses a 1LB cylinder (not included) or can be adapted to refillable tanks. Weber Cookbook included. Dimensions: 14.5”H x 21”W x 12.25”D
Part of the Q family this gas grill characterizes for being one of Weber’s favorites. With a push button ignition, a removable catch pan and a flavorizer system integrated into its porcelain cast iron cooking grate you’ll be grilling in its 189 SQIN cooking surface in no time. This grill is built with a cast aluminum lid and casting and a stainless steel burner making sure you get a long lasting product. Works with both 14.1-OZ and 16.4-OZ propane cylinders (not included) and has an infinite heat setting regulator. Dimensions: 23.5”H x 27”W x 15.9”D with lid open
You can find these and more grills at our stores or online in our Grilling section.
Bargains of the Month – March
True Value Bargains of the Month
This month’s Bargains are perfect for the new season. Get a new look for your main door entrance with the Coir & Rubber rectangular door mat. Made out of natural coir, a wonder fiber extracted from the protective husk of the Coconut. This golden fiber is spun into a diamond pattern and finished with a rubber edge scroll. It is a 24″ x 36” mat.
Planning to grow your favorite plants and flowers? Help them grow strong with the 8Qt Potting Mix from Miracle-Gro. This 6-month feed/MicroMax is made of a superior blend of composted bark, sphagnum peat moss and perlite. Enriched with Miracle-Gro plant food this mix will feed your plants instantly and continuously promoting great root development and sturdy growth. Your indoor or outdoor garden will look amazing!
And since spring is almost here, at least it’s definitely feeling like it, we’ve got to start working on our Spring Cleaning. A good way to start is to get this 32 Gallon capacity refuse can. With heavy duty wheels which provide easy portability for those large loads and friction fit lids with handles that lock down and protect against rodents, pets, etc. Just put it in your yard or garage, she’ll do the job.
Found any of these items useful for your day to day projects? Let us know what you think about them and if they satisfied you. Share your thoughts with all of us and help us learn what works best for you.
Leave us a comment!
Spring is almost here and we have already got a lot of spring products in for the season. It’s that time of year when grills start heating up, flowers start growing and everyone wants to spend as much time as possible outside enjoying the nice weather.
Each week of March we’ll be looking into different products that we know will be a must have during the spring season. This week: Rush Creek Designs Planters
Rush Creek Design Planters - Aspen Series
Choose between their Biodegradable Planters which last years in the owner’s home and decompose quickly when thrown away or the Injection Molded Planters, made of durable plastic to last. Both add a fresh and sophisticated look to someone’s house!
Rush Creek Designs Planters - Camelia, Denali & Ginko Series
The Biodegradable planters
- We carry two references: Camelia and Ginko
- Made of bamboo fiber, rice husks, wheat straw and corn stalks
- Non-toxic and safe for any use
- Will biodegrade in 2-3 years after discarding
- They will provide years of use at home
The Injection Planters
- We carry two references: Aspen and Denali
- The Aspen Planter is available in a wide variety of colors and makes a bold and charming holder for an array of plants and flowers
- The Denali Planter has a built-in matching tray making it perfect for indoor or outdoor use
