Retailer in Lovely offers superior merchandise and service
BY DIANE SMITH
MOUNTAIN CITIZEN
LOVELY — In a world where big box stores compete with local retailers on price and convenience, a place like R&J Building Supply Company in Lovely is an oasis of affordable, superior merchandise and service that keeps customers loyal.
R&J opened in 1983 under the ownership of business partners Jim Booth and Roy Collier, offering everything from plumbing to electrical to power tools, from lumber and building material to farm equipment and lawn and garden supplies. In 2000, Booth became the sole owner when Collier sold his share of the business.
For 40 years, the business has grown and remained the place to go for professional contractors, do-it-yourselfers, handymen and homeowners. Sooner or later, just about everyone in the community stops to pick up something for a repair or to get advice on approaching a project.
“2023 marks R&J’s 40th anniversary, and we hope to continue to grow the business and give the same superior quality to customers that we’ve given all these years,” said Dave Fletcher, who has been at the helm as the store manager for the last 12 years.
Fletcher credits R&J’s continued success to the “tools of the trade” – a knowledgeable, experienced team and superior service. Whether it is a specific bolt or screw, a piece of pipe, the right color paint or flooring, a light fixture, a bathroom vanity, an appliance, HVAC, a portable heater, an electric fireplace or a buck stove, the staff has it or knows how to get it.
“We have a great team of workers,” said Fletcher.
In addition to offering traditional building materials and hardware tools, R&J caters to the outdoorsman with a large stock of ammo, knives, fishing poles, Garmin, deer cams, apparel and more.
Customers have come to count on R&J for propane, generators and emergency supplies in crucial times.
The place has an extensive selection of lawnmowers, tillers, weed eaters, leaf blowers and any lawn and garden equipment or supplies a customer needs. That includes fertilizers, garden soil, mulch, seeds and plants.
Fletcher noted that R&J is the area’s newest full-line farm supplier.
“We provide just about anything you need to maintain a farm,” said Fletcher.
In a fast-paced and changing world, the manager said he and the team keep abreast of new products, current merchandising ideas and technological advances that keep the store in top shape. They invite everyone to stop by R&J Building Supply Company at 1493 Riverfront Road in Lovely and experience the value that makes this longstanding business resonate with its customers.
Hours are 8 a.m.-5 p.m. Monday-Friday and 8 a.m.-12:30 p.m. Saturday.