Who We Are
It was in 1879 when John A. Weider opened his horse-and-harness supply business on South St. Paul Street in downtown Rochester. Flash forward to today, Weiders Hardware operates stores in Brighton, Honeoye Falls, and Fairport/Perinton, serving the Greater Rochester area with the same commitment to excellent customer service.
Our Mission
“Give them what they want.”
— John A. Weider, on the 50th anniversary of the business, 1929
John A. Weider believed it was his commitment to excellent customer service that helped his horse and harness business thrive during the rise of the motor age. Today, Weiders Hardware operates with that same commitment — five generations of owners later.
147 Years in Rochester
A few milestones from the archives — sourced from the Rochester Democrat & Chronicle, historic city directories, and family records.
1879
John A. Weider Opens for Business
Opens shop at 164 South St. Paul in downtown Rochester, selling horse harnesses and furnishing goods.
1896
A Patented Improvement
John A. Weider patents an improved horse collar, designed to be easier to put on and remove (US Patent 570887A).
1926
John A. Weider & Son
Son Phillip F. Weider is admitted to a full partnership — the business becomes John A. Weider & Son.
1929
"Give Them What They Want"
Celebrating 50 years in Rochester, John A. Weider's motto captures the commitment to service that still guides the store today.
1961
A Second Location
Weider's opens in Suburban Plaza on East Henrietta Road, Henrietta — the store's first expansion beyond downtown.
1967
The Inner Loop Project
The West Main & Broad St. store, home for over half a century, is demolished to make way for Rochester's Inner Loop.
1991
New Ownership, Same Family Spirit
Ned Green and brother-in-law Greg Lull buy the business from Robert & Joanne Lull — Joanne being John A. Weider's granddaughter.
1998
Honeoye Falls Opens
A new store opens on West Main Street in Honeoye Falls.
2011
Brighton Opens
A third-generation-plus store opens near Twelve Corners in Brighton, in a former laundromat space.
2015
Joining Ace Hardware
The Honeoye Falls store switches suppliers, joining the Ace Hardware group to better serve the growing community.
2021
Three Locations
The Fairport/Perinton store opens — for the first time in Weider's history, three locations are open at once.
Giving Back to Our Community
For over 100 years, we've partnered with local causes and organizations across Rochester. See how we give back, or request a donation for your own cause.
Come Say Hello
Three stores, one family of neighbors ready to help with your next project.