Justus Home and Garden in Clarks Summit handles a large inventory of Stihl outdoor power equipment.
Fred Adams | For Abington Journal
Justus True Value Home and Garden “so much more than a hardware store”
Brian Mushel, owner of Justus Home and Garden in Clarks Summit, stands in an isle with grass on the left and ice melt on the right.
Fred Adams | For Abington Journal
Justus Home and Garden True Value Center is located in Clarks Summit.
Fred Adams | For Abington Journal
Justus Home and Garden is located along route 347 in Clarks Summit.
Fred Adams | For Abington Journal
Justus Home and Garden carries Weber Grills.
Fred Adams | For Abington Journal
CLARKS SUMMIT — Justus True Value Home and Garden Center on Justus Boulevard in Clarks Summit provides necessities for home projects, no matter what the season.
On a recent morning, owner Brian Mushel was restocking ice melt as he looked over a selection of shiny grills, ready for cookouts as temperatures begin to rise.
Last year at this time, he said, the sun was already shining so people were already looking forward to warmer weather, this year, they are still clearing snow and ice from their properties.
Mushel described the business as “so much more than a hardware store,” having been started by his aunt and uncle – Sue and Joe Kashuba – in 1984 in a small space just down the block in 1985.
Although the business began with more traditional hardware items, it was soon meeting a variety of customer needs and in 1989, moved to its current location.
Mushel said many would describe the business as “retail,” but he himself views it as more as “customer service,” selling not only the essentials, but providing information and assistance.
Mushel knows he is competing against an online market, but said he has successfully met the challenge.
An example, he said, would be Weber grills – the only type of grills he sells.
“You can buy those online, but we offer full assembly,” he said. “You can’t get that online.”
The business also offers STIHL power tools, which cannot be purchased online, including chainsaws, blowers and trimmers.
COVID challenges
Mushel said the business easily weathered the challenges of the pandemic, having been deemed an essential business by Gov. Tom Wolf.
Even so, in April, the business went curbside, in order to protect both its staff and customers.
That meant, he said, adding a phone line and providing several more cellphones to staff.
“It was never about just taking orders,” he said. “Our staff is knowledgeable about our products, so we continued to offer guidance and advice about our products.”
Mushel gave the example of customers buying plumbing and electrical parts — needing input on which parts to purchase.
“COVID drove people to small businesses,” Muschel said. “They didn’t want to go to bigger stores with a lot of people. We did alright.”
Mushel said the business is heading to its busiest season — spring. It will be increasing its number of employees from 17 to more than 30.
This year, just as in years past, customers will be firing up their grills, fixing up their houses and starting new projects.
Mushel said the business is doing well, and is confident in its future growth.
The business also has a robust Facebook page, which suggest products and provides information and product suggestions consistent with the weather and the season.
