'One-stop' Menards megastore opens

Menards megastore previews products, store for contractors, business leaders on Monday.


How to go

What: Menards

Where: 2865 Princeton Road, Fairfield Twp.

Hours: 6:30 a.m. to 10 p.m. Monday through Saturday; 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. Sunday

FAIRFIELD TWP. — A new home improvement megastore is stocked with generators, salt and shovels for those willing to head out in Tuesday’s winter weather.

Instead of a ribbon-cutting, attendees of a special event Monday evening at Menards on Princeton Road signed a piece of lumber, which was then cut using a power tool. General Manager Andy Hansen said the board will be framed and placed in the store’s conference room.

Invited guests and contractors poured through the doors Monday evening, where company officials and local leaders were on hand and dozens of vendors exhibited their products for contractors.

Many got in line to take advantage of the store’s contractor credit option, and cashiers offered others the chance to apply for Menards Big Card credit.

The store officially opens at 6:30 a.m. Tuesday and will be open daily. The first of its kind in the area, Menards has materials and tools for home improvement, name-brand appliances, pet products, lawn and garden supplies and some grocery items for a “one-stop shopping experience.”

“It’s a soft opening, but people are welcome to come out and shop. It’s a chance for people to come in and take a look before the grand opening,” said Hansen.

The grand opening will be later this month, he said.

In the last few months, the store hired more than 160 part-time and full-time workers and managers.

“It’s great for the township. It’s a win-win situation,” said Fairfield Twp. Trustee Steve Morgan. “The more business we get, the more tax dollars we get.”

“It’s going to be big, and we’re excited about it,” said Trustee President Terry Scharnhorst. “It’s something we need here, and I’m really impressed.”

Fairfield Chamber of Commerce President and CEO Kert Radel said the store is “a tremendous asset to the entire area.”

“When people come to Menards, they’re going to go to restaurants, Bridgewater Falls ... it’s a plus all the way around,” he said.

Staff Writer Mandy Gambrell contributed to this report.

About the Author