CAMDEN – For a little over 20 years, as close as we can figure, Rankin's Hardware at 30 Union Street in Camden has been holding its customer appreciation day with free hot dogs, popcorn and sodas as a way to give back to their supporters. In addition, those attending get a $5 coupon to spend inside the hardware store on any item. Cars lined Union Street as the parking lot filled and people took advantage of the free lunch and in-store savings on Saturday, July 14. Rankin’s also has a store at 160 Robbins Road in Hope.

Owner Lisa Burgess said the event is way to show customers how much Rankin’s appreciates them.

"We will go through 40 to 50 pounds of hot dogs," she said. "I believe you get eight to ten hot dogs per pound."

Rankin's has been in the same location since 1952. It started as a grain and feed company and transitioned into a lumber and hardware business in the 1960s to meet the needs of customers.

Burgess said the age of the internet has presented some challenges.

"People come in and say ‘we saw it on the internet,’" she said. "We don't always carry that. That has been the biggest struggle because they say, ‘I'll just go get it on Amazon.’"

On the other hand, there are those hard-to-find items that Rankin's will most likely carry.

"It could very well be something we've carried since 1952, but hopefully it hasn't been sitting on the shelf that long," said Burgess. "There are things here we've carried for that long and we keep it for just that reason."

Burgess said all their customers are great.

"A challenge is getting the younger customers to come in," she said. "Once they do come in, they come back."