Family business in Aberdeen creates a legacy

MONROE COUNTY, Miss.(WCBI)- A family owned hardware store in Aberdeen reaches a major milestone after celebrating 140 years in business.

Often times communities see stores come and go, but for Lann Hardware, it has been in the same spot since 1879.

For over a 100 years Lann Hardware Store has provided tools and other home supplies to those in Aberdeen. Its legacy has carried over for generations.

Owner Walter Lann III has worked at the store since he was a young boy. It was passed down to him by his father.

“I have been working here since I was ten years old. I’m 60 years old now so that’ll tell you how long I’ve been here. I learned my hardware business from my father and him from his right on down the line. I’m gone stay here as long as I can. My father made it till he was 82 years old, so, I plan on being here at least that long,” said Lann.

With decades of experience, Lann says the store runs on loyalty and longevity. Even customers keep coming in from years ago. They’re regulars.

“This store, I’d rather go to local businesses then corporations businesses . You can’t ask for a better store than what the store is right here. So it’s like I said, I’d rather come here than I had to go to bigger stores, hardware stores,” said longtime customer Les Lumpkin.

It goes beyond serving customers. Lann Hardware has been a way life for the family.

“Our family has made a living out of his business for 140 years, all of us have. This is our primary form of income. The loyalty of the citizens of Aberdeen ,Monroe County we’ve been a benefit for them but of course they been a benefit for us to allow us to stay and serve them,” said Lann.

Lann says through 140 years later, one thing remains the exact same- the love for the business.

Lann says he plans to continue to run the business, maybe until his grandson is old enough to take over.