Floyd's is one of those Bakersfield institutions that binds a community together. Small and crowded and slightly dusty, Floyd's is like a comfortable easy chair that's a tad frayed at the edges but you just can't seem to let it go. This classic general store has about anything you want: from Wrangler's to plumbing supplies to WD-40 to the smallest and rarest of electrical parts. Part of its charm is that it literally hasn't changed in years, but all that is about to change. I stopped by Floyd's today to pick up a light bulb and some lubricant and learned they are just days away from moving a few blocks south on North Chester Avenue to a sparkling new building. I wasn't even aware they were moving and while I'm sure it will be an upgrade, somehow it just won't be the same. And speaking of North Chester, the streetscaping and improvements along North Chester done by San Joaquin Hospital near 24th Street are some of the nicest in town, converting one of the worst strips to one of the nicest. Check it out.
8 comments:
Floyd's Stores are great businesses!
Yes, you can find unusual items other hardware stores may not carry...anymore. Just a new location, same great customer service and friendly cashiers. It's a bigger store! Same great merchandise!
As long as it's a change for the better, I say "Go for it!"
How exciting for Floyd's Stores! They may lose a little of the ol' dusty charm but they'll definately lose the drug deals at the corner telephone and the loitering on the front sidewalk and parking lot area. I for one will feel much safer going into Floyd's Stores now. It's a family-owned business and a VERY positive move for them!
I'll miss the narrow aisles finding unexpected treasures in odd places but I understand the need to "spread out." I used to shop at the store on S Chester when I lived nearer that one and found it easier and bigger to shop in.
Still....I'm a nostalgia buff. I'll be at the new one anyway, as soon as I find out the opening date.
Anonymous said....
I have been shopping in this store since 1947 when it was Savage War Surplus store !!! The building will be missed.......
I like your blog and read it often. In our shared pursuit of accuracy, a few minor comments. First, "North Chester Avenue" begins on the north side of the Kern River in Oildale. Floyd's and San Joaquin Hospital are located on simple, non-directional Chester Avenue. Second, the improvements you mention near San Joaquin are, indeed, noteworthy. However, almost all of them from 24th Street to Garces Circle are part of the City of Bakersfield's continuing streetscape efforts around town and paid for with public funds.
Thanks for the corrections. I never knew the distinction about when North Chester starts and ends. So thanks much. Also wasn't aware that the city was behind the streetscaping, which is really nice.
This is why fact-checking is a good idea. Making a few calls. Looking at a map. Not assuming what you think is true really is true.
Blogging is different than being a fact-checker, but bloggers seldom let facts get in the way of a good story.
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