November 14, 2016
In the age of Home Depot and Lowe's, the independent hardware shop is often perceived as a quaint relic, in danger of becoming a dying breed altogether.
Philadelphia is home to three of the nation's best, however, according to a cross-country analysis over at Popular Mechanics.
Dubbed the "Philadelphia Trifecta," the three hardware shops stand within a 1.5 mile swath of Center City and are stocked with the best bits and pieces you need to conquer your to-do list.
• Rittenhouse Hardware (2001 Pine St.) is thriving thanks to a boom in renovations to properties in the upscale neighborohood and still sells the old Edison-style light bulbs. Open seven days a week, the shop specializes in household needs.
• 10th Street Hardware (257 S. 10th Street) near Thomas Jefferson University offers affordable wares and high-end products in a cozy 1,250-square-foot space. In addition to a full range of tools, equipment, electrical and lighting supplies, the shop carries painting and painting implements, small appliances, rodent and pest control solutions, and just about everything else.
• Cohen & Co. (615 E. Passyunk Ave.) has served South Philly for more than a century with a glass-cutting department, screws and anchors, light bulbs, cleaning supplies and a complete plumbing section.
Check out the rest of the nation's best at Popular Mechanics.
