Content about Ace Hardware Corporation

Oak Brook, Ill.-based Ace Hardware says the rollout of the Craftsman brand across its network of stores has crossed the 2,000 location milestone. 

Since Ace signed a deal in 2010 with Sears to bring Craftsman products to Ace stores, more than 2,000 neighborhood Ace stores now offer a full line assortment of more than 650 Craftsman products, the co-op announced today.

NEW ORLEANS — The recent marriage of Valspar and Ace Hardware Corp. was by far the most colorful product story at Ace's Spring Convention and Exhibits held here.

Not only were dealers eager to see Ace's paint department vision of the future, they were hungry for details on the incentives in place to retrofit their stores.

One retailer suggested that the Valspar topic boosted attendance at the show. Others on the floor ran the gamut from dealers who embrace the change enthusiastically, to those who want to stay with their existing brands, notably Benjamin Moore.

Among the new design elements of Westlake Ace Hardware’s Bolivar, Mo., location are an open-air entranceway, unique signing and decor, and browse-friendly lifestyle categories situated in the center of the store.

Oak Brook, Ill.-based Ace Hardware Corp. will present “Vendors of the Year” awards at its upcoming 2013 Spring Convention & Exhibits in New Orleans.

The seven vendors were selected based on superior commitment and service to the hardware cooperative, its retailers and customers, according to Ace.

The award winners are:

Oak Brook, Ill.-based Ace Hardware’s recent purchase of the 85-store Westlake Ace Hardware chain -- the co-op’s largest customer -- represented “good offense” and “good defense,” according to the co-op’s message to Ace retailers.

Dating back almost to the Great Fire of Chicago, Stauber’s Ace Hardware turned 140 years old in 2012.

Founded in 1872 by Louis Stauber, a Swiss immigrant, in Chicago one year after the Chicago fire ravaged the city. The store was relocated more than 100 years ago to the Northcenter area of Chicago, where it currently does business today. 

Ace Hardware Corp. plans to give away a complete room makeover as part of its Merry Paint Makeover design contest.

It works like this: Through No. 26, homeowners can go to Ace’s Facebook page and upload a photo and 100-word description of a room in their house that needs home improvement for the holiday season. 

Ace Hardware Corp. announced growth and plans for expansion in priority markets across the country.

“Our aggressive, long-term growth strategy features a total package of resources and support to ensure a successful future for our retailers,” said Mike Berschauer, director, retail development for Ace Hardware. “After a prosperous second quarter focused on store activations and conversions, Ace is on track to achieve its goal of opening 170 new domestic stores in 2012.”

Oak Brook, Ill.-based Ace Hardware Corp. reported total revenues of $1.071 billion for the second quarter of 2012, up 4.8% from 2011.

Merchandise sales to comparable domestic stores increased 4.3%, in the second quarter of 2012 compared with the prior year. Net income, however, declined to $14.9 million, compared with $34.6 million earned in 2011.

Ace Hardware has launched an “Express” format for both current Ace retailers and other business owners seeking to integrate the Ace brand into their existing offerings. The new, more compact stores average 5,000 sq. ft. or less, include customized merchandising displays and stock more than 11,000 of the most popular and profitable hardware products.

Oak Brook, Ill.-based Ace Hardware Corp. announced the early redemption of its outstanding 9.125% senior secured notes originally maturing June 1, 2016.  The refinance was driven by the April 13, 2012, closing of a new five-year $600 million senior secured credit facility composed of a new $400 million revolving credit facility and a new $200 million term loan, according to the co-op. 

Oak Brook, Ill.-based Ace Hardware Corp. posted total revenues of $908.2 million for the first quarter of 2012, an increase of 6.3% compared with 2011.

Net income was $10.2 million for the first quarter of 2012, an increase of 49.3% compared with $6.8 million in 2011.