Gorham’s has opened a new store catering specifically to contractors and do-it-yourselfers.Kongtractors Depot, located in Gorham’s back lumber yard, is all about convenience for those looking to get a construction job done and done quickly without having to wait in a line or deal with a busy parking lot.“Contractors need to grab what they need and leave,” said Rod Farrington, a director with Gorham’s. “It’s very convenient — they can get in and get out without waiting on any line.”The name, Kongtractors Depot, is in reference to the store’s mascot, a very large blue gorilla named Gus, named by the employees. A 25-foot inflatable Gus is currently overlooking the Depot’s separate entrance located off Cemetery Road.Between speaking with the contractors, consulting with employees and looking through sales records, Gorham’s came up with a mix of inventory that a contractor or a weekend warrior might need.The store, which is staffed by seven full-time employees, offers power tools, cleaning supplies, nails, screws, hinges, lock sets, peel and stick floor tiling as well as cedar mouldings and trim, among many other items.Three covered bays of a drive-through lumber yard also adds to customers’ convenience.“We’ve also added some things that would appeal to do-it-yourselfers and women shoppers as well,” he said, which includes all new lines of kitchen cabinets and granite countertops, flooring products, doors, windows and cabinet hardware.The project was started three years ago when Gorham’s started building a new state-of-the-art lumber racking system. Once that was complete, the 1,500-square-foot depot was built — constructed from top to bottom by their clients — contractors who visit the store.Kongtractors Depot opened in late August and so far, despite a slow down in the construction industry, business has been good.“Since we’ve opened, our headcount is way up,” said Mr Farrington. “We’ve seen a big influx out here, word is spreading.”He added that the store’s clients are happily surprised.“The contractors think this is the most fantastic thing and they are shocked we’re doing it now,” he said. “But when the going gets tough, the tough get going.”Asked why make such a bold move at a time when large construction projects are slowing and many companies are struggling, Mr Farrington said Gorham’s is “championing the small to medium size contractor” and, that business he said, is still steady.“Times are tough and we’ve had to work harder and longer but we’re a family and we’re investing in Bermuda,” he said. “If we make it through this time, when things get better it’s going to be really good.“A lot of companies are laying off and closing but we’re expanding, doing more and building more,” he said, adding that Gorham’s has not had to lay off any employees during the recession and doesn’t see any issues for the foreseeable future.Mr Farrington added that typically when an economy goes through a tough period, stores tend to reduce their inventory. Gorham’s, he said, decided to do the opposite.“We elected not to reduce our inventory a penny, in fact, we’ve added inventory,” he said. “If a contractor gets a job, he wants to complete it and we’re here to help them.”To help connect contractors with potential work, Gorham’s created www.Bermudacontractor.com, a free service that lists more than 60 contractors they work with — from painters and truckers to handymen and designers — so that if a customer is looking for some help with a home or commercial project, they can find reputable contacts in one place.According to Mr Farrington, the contractor is vetted before being added to the site.“If we connect contractors with consumers then it’s a win/win situation for everyone, including us,” he said.Kongtractors Depot grand opening will be held on Friday evening for those in the construction industry. Those interested in attending must get a ticket from the new store.The store’s hours are Monday-Friday 7.30am-5pm and Saturday from 7.30am-3pm. For more information, call 295-1550.