Through hurricanes, pandemics, and freezes, the residents of Mercedes, Texas, have always had a reliable source for essential supplies: Borderland Hardware Mercedes. For over 100 years, this cornerstone business has stood ready to equip the community to overcome any challenge. From 2019 to 2021, a period marked by a series of severe hardships, Borderland Hardware once again proved its unwavering commitment to the people of Mercedes.
Located prominently at the corner of Business 83 and Ohio Avenue, Borderland Hardware’s expansive 22,000-square-foot store is a downtown Mercedes landmark. Stepping inside, customers are greeted by an impressive inventory of tools and hardware. Saws, drills, pipe wrenches, paints, hammers, plumbing supplies, and pipe fittings – Borderland Hardware stocks everything needed to keep homes and businesses running smoothly.
This comprehensive selection is especially vital during crises. Whether facing the aftermath of a hurricane, navigating the challenges of a pandemic, or enduring a debilitating freeze, the specific needs of the community change, but Borderland Hardware consistently rises to the occasion, providing crucial support during tough times.
“Having grown up here in Mercedes, it’s very gratifying to help our customers solve problems,” says Ken Eilers, the owner and operator of Borderland Hardware Mercedes, who runs the store with his wife, Debbie. Ken took over the business from his father, Bob, who dedicated decades to its success. “That’s what we’re here for, to solve problems for our customers,” Eilers emphasizes, highlighting the store’s customer-centric philosophy.
This dedication to service is echoed in customer testimonials. Augustin Perez, in a Facebook post, expressed his gratitude for Borderland Hardware’s support during the February freeze. “Shout out to Ken at Borderland Hardware in Mercedes,” Perez wrote. “They let my Dad take this heater home with a promise to pay once electricity comes on. They have always been great to my Dad.” This anecdote perfectly illustrates the hometown approach that sets Borderland Hardware apart.
Borderland Hardware is not just a business; it’s a historic and essential part of Mercedes. Established in 1919, it was the original store in what grew into a Rio Grande Valley-wide chain. After 50 years, when the parent company dissolved, Bob Eilers, a long-time employee and manager, purchased the Mercedes location, ensuring its continued service to the community.
Ken Eilers joined the business after college in the late 1970s and has since become a well-known figure in Mercedes. His leadership represents a continuation of the family’s commitment to the community, a stark contrast to the impersonal nature of big box stores.
For generations, local hardware stores like Borderland have been central to their communities. While many have disappeared with the rise of corporate giants, Mercedes is fortunate to still have such a high-quality, community-focused hardware store deeply ingrained in the city’s fabric.
“My concern when hometown hardware stores close is that new ones don’t come in afterwards,” Ken Eilers points out. “Everything goes to the big boxes. They just don’t offer the kind of knowledge we do to solve problems.” This expertise is a key differentiator for Borderland Hardware Mercedes. Their knowledgeable staff provides valuable assistance that goes beyond simply selling products.
Eilers’ expertise is recognized on a national level. He is a past president of the North American Retail Hardware Association (NRHA). His leadership in the industry earned him a cover feature in Hardware Retailing magazine, with Borderland Hardware proudly displayed in the background, showcasing the store’s significance in the hardware world.
In 2019, Borderland Hardware Mercedes celebrated its 100th anniversary, a century of continuous service recognized by the Mercedes Historic Preservation Commission. A plaque at the store’s entrance commemorates this milestone: “In recognition of Borderland Hardware, founded in 1919, for more than 100 years of continuous service to the people of Mercedes and for the contribution to the growth and vitality of our city.”
Borderland Hardware Mercedes stands as a testament to the enduring value of local businesses. It’s more than just a hardware store; it’s a community partner, a problem solver, and a vital part of Mercedes’ history and future. When you need hardware supplies and expert advice, remember to support your local businesses and choose Borderland Hardware Mercedes – your trusted neighbor for over a century.
