Some say it is one of the oldest hardware stores in South Etobicoke.

The Mimico Home Hardware store, at 2404 Lake Shore Blvd. W., has been a hardware store at the corner of Superior Avenue for 100 years, the store owner says.

The store has been owned by the same family who will be celebrating their 50th year in business in December, says family member Panagiota Sartzetakis.

“We have been at the same corner of Mimico for almost 50 years,” she said. “We know all our customers and they know us.”

The store was first established as a hardware about 1925 and was purchased by the family in 1975.

She says customers are excited about the Toronto Blue Jays taking part in the baseball playoffs, which has created excitement among  residents in Mimico and elsewhere.

“Customers are talking about the games or have to hurry home to watch it,” Sartzetakis says. “It creates a level of excitement.”

She is accompanied by her seated mom, Melpo, during an afternoon shift.

Mom and daughter agree that the Mimico area has improved since they took over the busy store.

“The area has changed a lot over the years,” Melpo reflects. “Before the Motel Strip was down here and there were issues.”

Sartzetakis said the thriving area has more diversity and a range of restaurants and people.

“Now it is better,” she insists. “I think it is much safer here now.”

There are big changes coming as several large condo developments are in the planning stages that will change the face of the small-town area.

Mimico was an independent municipality until 1967, when it was amalgamated into the new Borough of Etobicoke, which was itself amalgamated in 1998 into the current city of Toronto.

The community was ranked by Toronto Life magazine in 2012 on their “Where to Buy Now” list of Toronto neighbourhoods.