Our Story
Hewer Hardware first made its appearance in the 1920's as Hewer’s Hardware. The store was opened by Gordon Cameron Hewer who was born in Ontario. In 1921 he moved to Vancouver from Nanton, Alberta with his wife Flora and their two daughters, Marjorie and Genievive. When Gordon Hewer died in 1942, Marjorie and her husband, John Edward Watson continued to run the family business until the
y sold it to Mr. Bill Stokes who was an employee at the store. (note updated information provided by Joan Lewall, granddaughter of Gordon Hewer) Mr. Stokes renovated the store to its current state in 1973. From an all wood frame store with a garage in the back, it was completely modernized to a cinder block/concrete building except for one wall on the west side of the building towards the front. The remaining wood frame consists of solid 2x12 lumber on edge, nailed together as a solid wall. This amazing framing was discovered during recent renovations and merchandising inside the store. The store in turn was sold to Mr. Jafir an immigrant from Uganda. He did not make any changes that we know of. But University Hardware had opened up across the street and a block away. West Point Grey had two hardware stores for a period between the 1960's and 1990's. In 1978, two brothers from South Africa, Leong and Por Tung, purchased the business from Mr. The two brothers worked hard and rebuilt the business and its clientele. After many sucessful years of running the store, Leong retired in 1992 and Por retired in 2005. Bernard Lau, Leong’s son started working in 1990 and purchased the business from his father in 2008. The store has changed many times since 1978. It has operated as an independent under the Merchant and Pro Hardware banners. Finally in 1986, Hewer Hardware joined the Home Hardware family. The store’s interior has been changed and re-merchandized on many occasions. In the Fall of 2008, the interior ceiling was raised to reveal the beautiful wood beams and joists. The most recent change is the addition of our Seasonal Showroom at 4453 West 10th, the building next door to the east. The retail level now joins the main store through an opening in wall between two buildings. And just this spring, in the back of the showroom, a year round full service Garden Centre was added. Although there are many changes to the store, one thing remains a constant. We love retail and we love our customers. We always strive to provide the best customer experience in our store by having a great product mix and a smile on our face. We thank all our regular customers for the many years that they have supported us and if you are new or not so new in the neighbourhood or in Vancouver, we would love to meet you soon.
