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 Riggs Building Supplies
and Home Centers was established in Fredericktown, Missouri, in 1859 by Louis
Riggs. After years of business success, Riggs moved his operation to Kennett,
Missouri, in 1889 where it remains one of the oldest continuously operated
family-owned and operated businesses, not only in Southeast Missouri, but in
the tri-state area of Missouri, Arkansas and Tennessee. It was in 1892 that the
Kennett Clipper quoted Mr. Riggs as stating, "I want to get acquainted with the
people and I believe my goods at the prices I offer them will please the
people. Before you buy anything in the hardware line, come and see me. If I
have not got what you want, I will get it." The newspaper stated that the new
hardware store had "The Grip" on low prices on stoves, barbed wire and a
general line of hardware.
Riggs Hardware Store as seen
in the late 1880s. |
Jewelry Department as seen
in the late 1880s. |
Dolph Riggs III, the great-great-grandson of
the founder, is president and chief executive officer of Riggs Building
Supplies and Home Centers. Continuing the premise that the customer is of
foremost importance, Dolph Riggs III declared, "We've always had one family
business motto, 'We don't do the customer a favor by opening the store each
day. They grant us their favor when they cross our threshold;'" Moving into the
future, Riggs believes the sum of the past will help them become more able to
respond to their customers' needs, give better personalized service and
continue to be competitive in their trade area. "We never want to lose sight of
the one thing that sets Riggs apart from the big-boy stores -- one-on-one
customer service. Our floor plans may change, but the old-time hardware store
sales counter with the clerk who says 'May I help you?' is here to
stay."
"We believe emphasizing lumber, building
materials, doors and windows, hardware, paint, plumbing and electrical
as well as lawn and garden supplies will help us remain the preferred
store of professional builders, remodelers and the do-it-yourselfer,"
Dolph explains. Other Riggs' departments include home furnishings, gifts
and Christmas decorations. Paragould, West Memphis and Kennett also offer
delivery service.
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