KIDRON, Ohio — Tucked away in Kidron, about 25 miles south west of Canton, Lehman's Hardware store has been an institution in the heart of Ohio Amish country for the past 65 years. 

 

What You Need To Know

  • Lehman's Hardware Store has 40-thousand square feet of anything from antique stoves, games food and drinks

  • The store is run by second generation owners Galen Lehman and Glenda Lehman Ervin

  • Lehman's motto is helping people on their journey to a simpler life


Glenda Lehman Ervin carries the torch now, after her father, founder Jay Lehman passed away in July at age 91. 
Whether it's antique wall art or ornate refurbished stoves, there are constant reminders of the senior Lehman’s influence inside the business. 

“Dad really left a legacy. He was a deeply generous, religious, spiritual man, with Mennonite heritage, which my whole family is. And he left knowing that Lehman's was in good hands and that he had a very fulfilling life, says Glenda Lehman Ervin. 

Ervin says after years of selling practical products for neighbors, in particular the amish, their business model changed near the turn of the century, when Y2K was considered a threat to the global power grid. 

“So we switched from being the place where you could find what you needed if you knew what you wanted, like a big bucket, here's our product, come get what you want—to place where, what do you want to do? Are you sick and tired of being sick and tired? Do you want to eat healthier, let us help you,” says Ervin. 

Seven years later in 2007, they doubled the store to 40-thousand square feet.
Lehman's has since beefed up its e-commerce presence to go along with a global catalog.
The non electric tools and supplies are there, to go along with oil lamps, games, Christmas decorations, food and drink--anything you can think of. 
Ervin says they've been fortunate for the public's support during the pandemic, and Lehman's has experienced an uptick in sales from wood cooked stoves to puzzles, cooking items, and  do it yourself kits. 

“We feel very fortunate that people came to us during times of need and again we've seen that in the past. We want people to feel prepared, not scared. And we want to help them on their journey to a simpler life,” says Ervin. 

Ervin says she looks forward to re-starting all the classes, workshops and events in person at some point this year.
Both she and her brother, CEO Galen Lehman, say they know the store will remain in good hands for years to come and their father would be proud.

“Going to Lehmans is like going to a museum and shopping at the same time. The place is defiantly a legacy to my father and memories of him are everywhere,” says Ervin. 

For more information go to https://www.lehmans.com/