San Diego’s OB Hardware celebrates 105 years of community service [Video]

SAN DIEGO — In an age where online shopping and big box stores dominate retail, it’s nice to shop at a place where everybody still knows your name. 

In this Zevely Zone, I visited OB Hardware. It is one of the last independent family-owned hardware stores in San Diego, celebrating 105 years in business. When we pulled up at the store, we found a man sitting on the curb tying his shoes. He told me, “Well, I am putting laces in my shoes. Target doesn’t carry them, so I got them at OB Hardware,” said Matt.

Purchased in 2021 by Jenae and Joe Kuchman, this family-run shop has stood the test of time with a local following and community support. A few years ago, the store almost went under. 

“Hey, this place is going to close. The shop will close if nobody …