On January 30, 2024 the doors opened. On February 2nd came the dignitaries to cut the ribbon. Ever since then, Menard’s has served as a staple for contractors, do it yourself repairmen, and anyone else needing economically priced reliable merchandise to get the job done.
Along the way, the company has also launched multiple drives to help the community.
For almost 70 years, John Menard Jr has endeavored to back those who build. He started working on pole buildings in 1958 to supplement income earned at a movie theater. Pole construction proved popular at the time around his Eau Claire, Wisconsin home as dairy farmers wanted low cost, low maintenance storage structures for livestock and equipment.
Hardware Retailing described Menard in an article, saying “in business, Menard is detail-oriented, thrifty, and an opportunist, similar to many retail entrepreneurs who built large companies in the 20th century.
Unlike most, however, the founder retains private ownership over his company.
Menard saw an opportunity to supply the boom.
As Hardware Retailing explained in an article on the company, “Menard began his business to serve the rapidly changing farm industry in 1958.” His business quickly developed a reputation for good worksmanship.
Menard opened his operation in 1962. That same year, Sam Walton’s first store opened in Rogers, Arkansas. By 1964 it had evolved into Menard Cashway Lumber. By the late 1960s the company had developed factories manufacturing items such as steel siding, roofing, and doors.
By the 1990s, Menards rapidly expanded from its Wisconsin base throughout the Midwest, with big box style outlets coming in the early 21st century. Currently it operates nearly 340 stores, driven by its “save big money” tagline.
Menards also participates in big ways to help the community. As of August 1, Menards in Bridgeport and elsewhere will be “serving as a drop site for a local Humane Association for two full months “through September 30, 2026.”
The company will also donate significant amounts of materials and needs to a local humane association “including food, treats, feeders, collars, beds, storage containers, mats, and much more.”
Others can bring in donations as well, placing them in the box marked for that purpose.
In January, February, and March of this year, Menard’s ran a similar campaign for local food pantries. It requested donations of non perishable food from the public and also gave from its own stores. A release stated that “we’re excited to participate in this wonderful opportunity while lending a helping hand to the community during the next three months.”
In late 2025, the company also ran a toy drive to help make sure that area families in need could have gifts for Christmas.
