Our Story
We've Been Here a Long Time
Three generations. One store. The same promise we made on day one — honest prices, real advice, and a neighbor who's glad you came in.
How It All Started
Economizers Best Hardware opened its doors back when this town was even smaller than it is today. The founder believed that a good hardware store was as important to a community as a church or a school — a place where people could get what they needed and talk to someone who actually knew what they were talking about.
Over the decades, the store changed hands within the family but never changed its character. We've survived big-box competition, recessions, and everything else the years threw at us — because our neighbors kept showing up, and we kept earning that.
Today we're still right here on 10th Street in Ramona, still stocking the same mix of everyday essentials and hard-to-find items, and still giving the same straight answers we always have.
What We Stand For
Honest Prices
We don't mark things up because we can. We price things fairly because that's how you build a business that lasts.
Real Know-How
Our staff has done the work. We can tell you which fastener holds in wet wood, which paint sticks to metal, and why your faucet is still dripping.
Community First
We sponsor the 4-H, support the volunteer fire department, and show up when the town needs us. This place is ours together.
The Folks Behind the Counter
You'll see the same faces every time you come in. That's on purpose.
Earl Hutchins
Owner & Hardware Specialist
Earl's grandfather opened this store. He grew up stocking shelves and never left. Ask him anything about tools — he's probably used every one we carry.
Donna Prewitt
Paint & Supplies
Donna has been mixing custom colors here for over twenty years. She'll match any chip you bring in and tell you exactly how much you'll need.
Roy Callahan
Farm & Ranch
Roy runs cattle on the weekends and works the floor the rest of the week. If it's got to do with land or livestock, he's your man.
Come Say Hello
We're open six days a week and always glad to see a familiar face — or a new one. Stop in anytime.