WILTON — If responses to an online survey indicate interest, the return of Wilton Hardware to downtown is welcome news to residents.

“The town needs it. It’s great to have it come back,” new owner Jeff Chaisson said. “It sounded like an adventure and I’m up for it.”

Chaisson and Josh Michaud, who also own Expenet Technologies, recently purchased Wilton Hardware, which closed about a year ago, he said.

Chaisson decided to move the business farther down the street, to 343 Main St., to a building he owns.

He is seeking another use for the old hardware store building, preferably commercial, but there are no plans, he said.

The new store is expected to open by early April.

Chaisson is seeking feedback on what people would like in the new store. The merchandise lines will be expanded, perhaps with more recreational items or maybe home brewing supplies, depending on what customers want, he said.

The survey is available at www.surveymonkey.com/s/WiltonHardware.

A light new interior with higher ceilings will provide better display areas and provide a fresh start, Jessi Sawyer, general manager, said of the 2,100-square-foot space.

Sawyer, of Weld, is ready to return to work after a few years at home raising her children, she said. After graduating from Mt. Blue High School in Farmington, she worked at Dexter Supply where she gained knowledge and experience in hardware supplies.

“The highlight of my day is helping people,” she said. “After eight years at home, I’m ready to get back out and be with the public.”

The store will be open seven days a week. Hours are not set yet, Chaisson said. They expect to hire an additional employee.

As an independent store, no certain brand of products will be sold. New offerings such as ice fishing bait or a bargain basement area are under consideration, he said.

Chaisson would like to expand rental services for items such as tools or small lawn and garden equipment.

With a new heating system, paint and lighting, and a new floor plan for merchandise, the space is ready to go, he said.

A member of the Wilton Downtown Committee and the Wilton Group, Chaisson has actively supported business growth in town.

Employed by Verso Paper, he has also been involved in starting five businesses over the past five years. He plans to take a year off from his entrepreneurial starts after this, he said.

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