Hardware 2.0 Partners with J.Crew
Thirty years ago, my dad noticed that there were hardly any Black-owned hardware stores in NYC, so he decided to open his own. For 30 years, my father has served his community by providing jobs, giving back and being a role model as a successful Black businessman, so it’s important for me to continue that legacy.
- Jitu Maat, Owner @ Hardware 2,0
For many of us during quarantine, it was the perfect time for a lot of us to tap into our creative psyche and discover new hobbies or even finishing off those “projects” we promised we’d complete 5 years ago. Home improvements and plant care were amongst the most common activities during that time and for this Brooklyn-based business, time never stood still.
Hardware 2.0 has been a staple to the Prospect Heights section of Brooklyn for over 3 decades. Formally known as Brothers Community Hardware, Jitu Maat, son to the original owner (Robert), has taken over the business to continue a legacy that his father worked hard for. Giving back to the community and providing jobs were a couple of the main core values for being the only black-owned hardware store in the borough. On top of providing essentials needed for home related projects or repairs, Jitu has since expanded the portfolio of Hardware 2.0 by adding an exquisite (and extensive) collection of plants and succulents, eco-friendly products as well as some merchandise from local artists.
“My personal style is an amalgamation of the things I love. There’s influence from my fine art background, skateboarding, construction and botany”.
- Jitu Maat
Recently being part of the “I Am Different” Adidas x James Harden initiative to give back to 25-local black-owned Brooklyn businesses, Hardware 2.0 has been tapped by iconic retailer J.Crew to participate in their Creative Spirits campaign. Focusing on rising talents in music, dance, food, travel and lifestyle spaces who’ve inspired the brand by their passion for creativity and community. While modeling pieces from their October Collection, Maat was also able to partner with J. Crew on a limited-edition graphic tee for Hardware 2.0 and give us insight to his personal style.
