© 2005 Skip Steuart, All Rights Reserved.
Nichols Hardware in Purcellville is a trip back in time. With its uneven wooden floors, tin ceilings and overflowing shelves, this western Loudoun County icon embodies a period of American history when personal service and word-of-mouth advertising were the keys to retail success.
In many ways, Nichols doesn't look much different from the store that was founded 90 years ago. To the casual eye, the store may resemble a flea market hodgepodge, similar items gathered together, but with no real rhyme or reason. Every bit of space is used-even the ceiling from which dangles a tricycle and canoe on sturdy chains.
Note:
- Ted Nichols is behind the cash register.
- The text consists of excerpts from the Loudoun Magazine, Feb 2004