Burney Hardware was founded in 1921 in Aberdeen, NC by Gus Burney. In 1925 the business moved to a new location when Mr. Burney built a new building in downtown Aberdeen, complete with warehouse, adjacent to the railroad track. The business thrived for years with the slogan "If Its Hardware, We Have It!" Mr. Burney sold the company to his employees when he retired in the late 50's. In 1982, S. R. Ransdell, a local farmer in the community, bought the store and it became a family affair with his son, daughter-in-law, and wife all working there. In 1989 the store expanded by building a 13,500 sq ft. building and moving the business just outside of town.

 

By 1995 a second building was added for a repair center and a grill showroom. Now the business has expanded to include a third generation with the addition of his grandson in management. In preparation for their 100th anniversary in 2021, the store was completely remodeled and refreshed. The Annex was also created which allowed an addition of 7000 square feet for indoor inventory, expansion of the grill show room and Stihl Power equipment and Rental Center. In 2015, the grandson, Sam, won Young Retailer of the Year with the National Retail Hardware and Paint Association, the store went on to win Best Hardware Store in the Southeast for True Value in 2016, and the Stihl All Star Award for the state of NC in 2017.

​

In 2018, a second location was opened in Seven Lakes which extended the tradition of providing depth of inventory, excellent service and knowledgeable employees. In 2020, during the pandemic, they extended their product offerings to your fingertips by implementing an e-commerce website that allowed customers 24-7 visibility of inventory and the ability to pick up items curbside; enhancing the overall customer experience. By 2023 additional retail space was created surrounding the outside of both stores which allowed an expansion of building materials, outdoor product offerings and created easy access to large vehicles and contractors. Currently, at just over 200,000 square feet of total retail space they believe that these strategic moves will help to propel Burney Hardware into the future and allow them to continue serving their community for many years to come.

​

A NEW CHAPTER

In 2026, Burney Hardware entered a new chapter with a change in ownership to Mr. Curtis Gillman. With extensive experience in the retail hardware industry and a deep understanding of the evolving needs of today’s hardware customer, Mr. Gillman brought a fresh perspective while maintaining the same commitment to the values that have guided Burney Hardware for more than a century.

Since taking ownership, Curtis has focused on positioning Burney Hardware for the future while respecting the history and traditions that have made the business a cornerstone of the communities it serves. Existing spaces are being repurposed to better serve today’s customers, improve the shopping experience, expand product offerings, and make more efficient use of the stores’ considerable footprint.

These changes are more than simply cosmetic improvements. Each remodel is designed with the future in mind—creating spaces that remain relevant as customer needs, products, and the retail hardware industry continue to evolve. By combining the experience of the past with a forward-looking approach, Burney Hardware is continuing to adapt while staying true to its longstanding commitment to depth of inventory, knowledgeable employees, and exceptional customer service.

As Burney Hardware moves into its next chapter, the goal remains the same as it has for more than 100 years: to serve its communities, provide the products and expertise customers need, and build a business that will remain a trusted part of the community for generations to come.

 

Note: Burney Hardware Co. is independently owned and operated.