Local Love: McGuckin Hardware
Photo by McGuckin Hardware
This local love is all about a Boulder favorite that’s been prominent in the area for 70 years. A staple of the community that most Boulder residents recognize and people simply adore. Let’s talk about McGuckin’s Hardware.
McGuckin Hardware’s story begins in 1955, when Bill McGuckin (full name Llewellyn Commodore “Bill” McGuckin) opened a modest, small hardware store with just four employees and four departments. Bill built McGuckin Hardware on a simple philosophy of personalized service, deep selection, and genuine expertise. His son in law Dave joined in 1960 and later carried on the business with his wife, Bill’s daughter, Dee, after Bill’s passing in 1966. They grew the store without ever losing its roots in the Boulder community.
Dave and Bill in 1955 | Photo by McGuckin Hardware
What sets McGuckin apart isn’t just the size or the inventory — it’s the culture and experience. As local resident puts it:
“If you’re not from around here, it might seem strange that a hardware store is considered a local hang-out… spend a few minutes wandering through the aisles… someone will greet you. A few more steps, and they’re your new buddy.”
What truly makes this local love stand out is the people and the personality of the store itself. The staff in their iconic green vests are known all over Boulder for being friendly, helpful, and full of knowledge. Many of them have been there for decades, so they really know their stuff. With more than 200,000 items spread across 18 departments, the store is packed with everything from nuts and bolts to garden decor, pet supplies, and quirky tools you didn’t even know you needed. Hence the saying they’re known for, “If we don’t have it, you don’t need it.” But McGuckin isn’t just a store; it’s part of Boulder’s heartbeat, where employees know customers by name and treat them like neighbors. And even after decades of success, they’ve stayed true to their roots, choosing to remain local and independent rather than turn into another big box chain.
Walking inside feels like stepping into Boulder’s favorite community hub. Beyond shopping, McGuckin offers practical services like blade sharpening, key duplication, and custom glass cutting. True to its Boulder roots, the store also hosts community events, supports local nonprofits, and maintains a friendly, neighborhood feel that keeps people coming back.
One of McGuckins Employees Hard at Work | Photo by mcguckinhardware
McGuckin Hardware is more than a hardware store. It’s a 70-year (and growing) local institution built on service, selection, community, and values. Its story demonstrates how a business can remain large in scope yet small in feel, how employee and customer relationships matter, and how staying true to your roots while evolving is a winning combination. If you’re ever in Boulder, it’s not just a shopping stop, it’s a place to experience how retail still feels human. And if you’re not from Boulder, it’s worth a trip just to check it out for yourself.
Located at 2525 Arapahoe Ave. Unit D1 Boulder, CO 80302 | Store Hours Monday through Saturday 8am to 7pm; Sunday 9am to 6pm