Whether you come in to shop or just shoot the breeze, Glen Sears said he hopes people will stop by his new business, Glen’s Hardware in Auburn.

“It’s a good place to hang out,” Sears said. “You can come in and we’ll talk politics or whatever.”

While there, you can also purchase a wide variety of items, from auto supplies to basic hardware needs.

Sears had worked at Berts Auto Parts in Auburn which recently closed.

“When Berts closed, I saw the need for an auto and hardware store here in Auburn,” Sears said, adding that owning his own store had been an ambition of his for a while.

“This was an idea I’d had in the back of my head for a long time,” said Sears, who retired from the US Postal Service.

Sears, who lives in Russellville, found a perfect spot for his new store at 105 Spring Street in Auburn behind the US Bank and opened up on September 11.

Although some might hesitate to open a new store in the midst of a bad economy, Sears said he figures if he can make it now, then he’ll be able to make it any time.

“And really, when the economy is bad, people need hardware more because they try to do more things themselves,” he added.

Sears said he carries basic hardware and automotive items as well as a few other items such as corn for squirrels, yard tools and some used equipment. He also makes keys.

Sears also works on small engines, lawn equipment and such at the store.

“I’ve been working on engines since I was a kid,” Sears said.

While he works, he enjoys visiting with the customers. Some come to shop, others come to sit, drink coffee and talk. A few bring their guitars and play music on occasion.

“I love coming to work,” Sears said. “This isn’t work to me.”

Wayne Dinsmore, owner of the Lion and the Lamb Antiques, said he is glad to have another business open in downtown Auburn.

“It really is a unique place,” Dinsmore said of Glen’s Hardware. “They sit out there and tear engines apart. It’s great.”

Sears said he loves Auburn, comparing it to Mayberry of The Andy Griffith Show.

“It’s a great town,” Sears said. “I love the people and I hope they will just stop by and visit.”

Glen’s Hardware is open Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Saturday from 8 a.m. to noon.

While Auburn has suffered its share of closed stores and job losses recently, there are still several shops around the small town that offer a variety of shopping choices. They include the Lion and the Lamb Antiques, Almost New Gifts & Consignment Shop, the Yard Sale Shop, Jimmy’s TV & Appliances, the Pool Room and Restaurant, Nan’s Restaurant, Sue’s Place Restaurant, Down South Delights and Meguiar Printing.

Bill McFarland, owner of Almost New Gifts & Consignment Shop, said it is not easy being a small business owner in a small town, but he hopes the businesses in Auburn can stay afloat and more can be brought in.

“We need people to support the local businesses and support their town,” McFarland said.