August 13, 2024 // Franchising.com // Oak Brook, Ill - Ace Hardware, the world's largest retailer-owned hardware cooperative, announced today “ELEVATE3 Ace,” its new experiential store concept to roll-out at new and existing stores over the next five years, supported with a $1 billion investment. This groundbreaking, immersive store design, unveiled at the fall convention in Chicago last week celebrating Ace's 100-year anniversary, marks a fundamental shift in the Ace store model and has proved to boost both the customer experience and drive store growth.
“Elevate Ace is not just a new store format; it's our vision to become famous for four things in the neighborhoods we serve; namely Paint, Power, Backyards & Barbeque, and Home Preservation,” said John Venhuizen, Ace Hardware President and CEO. “We believe in the power of local, and this initiative strengthens our community ties by creating experiential spaces that are not only places to shop but also places to connect. Our neighbors will benefit from locally relevant, premium products, expert advice, and immersive retail innovation. With Elevate Ace, we are setting a new industry standard as we aspire to truly be the best, most helpful store on the planet."
“Over the next five years, Ace Hardware will invest over $1 billion in opening new stores and remodeling existing stores to better serve our neighbors,” added Venhuizen. “The Elevate Ace store model will be at the heart of this investment.”
More than 17,600 Ace Hardware retailers and industry professionals who attended Ace’s fall convention in Chicago, the largest in hardware industry history, were the first to experience the innovative ELEVATE3 Ace store model. A fully built-out 13,000-square-foot model store on the convention floor, complete with outdoor spaces and live demonstrations, received overwhelmingly positive feedback for its design and functionality.
Customers can look forward to experiencing ELEVATE3 Ace in limited locations beginning this year, with the full roll-out in new and existing stores launching January 2025 and continuing over the next five years.
Ace Hardware is the largest retailer-owned hardware cooperative in the world with over 5,900 locally owned and operated hardware stores in approximately 60 countries. Headquartered in Oak Brook, Ill., Ace and its subsidiaries operate an expansive network of distribution centers in the U.S. and have distribution capabilities in Ningbo, China; and Cuautitlán Izcalli, Mexico. Since 1924, Ace has been a part of local communities around the world and known as the place with the helpful hardware folks. For more information, visit acehardware.com or newsroom.acehardware.com.
SOURCE Ace Hardware
Ace is #1 for convenience hardware! You pay no royalty fees. Instead, Ace pays you a year-end rebate based on your annual purchases. Enjoy the benefits and collective buying power of a 9.5 Billion Dollar company.