Midwest hardware store chain makes NC debut in Ballantyne, aims to be woodworkers hub

EDITOR’S NOTE: This story has been updated to reflect a new soft-opening date set by Rockler.

A Minnesota woodworking and hardware store chain is making its North Carolina debut in Ballantyne, and also will offer classes and have a lumber outlet.

Rockler Woodworking and Hardware will open its 42nd U.S. store Tuesday, Oct. 25, at 5335 Ballantyne Commons Parkway in Charlotte, the supply store said Friday in a news release.

The 10,919-square-foot store will serve as “a hub for the woodworking community,” Rockler said.

Along with tools and supplies to build furniture, cabinets and other woodworking projects, there will be a classroom and a hardwood lumber outlet at the site.

What to expect at Rockler

Local woodworkers can expect Rockler to offer:

▪ Classes to learn how to make projects like pens, bowls and cheeseboards will be led by store experts.

▪ Hardwood Lumber Outlet, with boards, slabs, plywood, veneer and turning blanks for quality woodworking and do-it-yourself projects. The space is designed to make shopping for hardwood lumber more consumer friendly, according to Rockler. Boards are cut to length for free, and for a fee, workers can rip or plane the lumber to the desired size.

▪ Power tool brands include Festool, SawStop, Laguna, Skil, Powermatic and JET.

Rockler will hire about 15 full- and part-time employees.

About Rockler Woodworking and Hardware

Rockler was founded 68 years ago as a mail-order business, according to the company. The family-owned business has since developed more than 1,000 products for woodworkers including tools, jigs, hardware and workshop fixtures.

The Charlotte store is among eight new locations that have opened or plan to open this year as part of Rocker’s expansion in 24 states, including debuts in Kansas, New Jersey and Virginia, according to the company.

This story was originally published October 24, 2022 at 5:47 AM with the headline "Midwest hardware store chain makes NC debut in Ballantyne, aims to be woodworkers hub."