Ace Hardware honors 2017 'Coolest Hardware Stores'

Ace Hardware Corporation is proud to recognize two local Ace Hardware stores with the company’s seventh-annual “Coolest Hardware Store” awards. Ace Hardware, the world’s largest hardware cooperative, selects only a handful of Ace stores annually to receive this coveted recognition – all based on how well the store differentiates its offerings, services and culture to meet the needs of the community.

The two winning stores are Garrett Ace Hardware of Healdsburg, Calif., and Harleysville Ace Hardware of Harleysville, Pa. Both stores were recently recognized at the Ace Hardware 2017 Pinnacle Conference in Las Vegas. These stores share common traits yet offer local flavor and product selection above and beyond most hardware stores.

“Of the more than 5,000 Ace locations around the world, no two are exactly alike,” said Dan Miller, Vice President of Retail Operations and New Business, Ace Hardware Corporation. “This, along with the service, convenience and quality our customers have come to expect, is just another reason why Ace stands the test of time. The teams at Garrett Ace Hardware and Harleysville Ace Hardware certainly exemplify the Ace way – helpful, unique and always changing to meet the needs of the community.”

Garrett Ace Hardware in Healdsburg, Calif.

Opened in 1889, Garrett Ace Hardware is an iconic staple in the area, serving both the Healdsburg and Windsor communities. The store is tailored to serve the local area, meaning they stock their shelves with a very localized and unique product mix. Insisting that they’re, “more than just a hardware store,” Garrett Ace Hardware boasts many items people aren’t used to seeing.

Some of these items include pet song birds, as well as pet chickens that are able to free range on the store property. These same chickens produce the organic eggs Garret Ace sells in-store. Local kindergarten classes agree that it’s a sight to see, as they frequent the store for field trips to visit the pets and learn about the lush plants in the outdoor nursery and indoor plant department.

Live goods aside, customers of Garrett Ace Hardware can find premiuim assortments of patio furniture, grills and outdoor power equipment. Beyond these items, Garrett Ace Hardware also includes a stand-alone country store called The Gift Horse. Here, visitors can peruse a beautiful selection of high-end housewares and gifts, including full bedroom furniture sets, kitchenwares, and many other items. They also offer a giftwrap service, as many customers find themselves buying gifts from Garrett Ace Hardware.

Harleysville Ace Hardware in Harleysville, Pa.

Harleysville Ace Hardware is no stranger to the hardware industry, or to the community it serves. Don Hoff, Sr., opened its doors in 1970. Harleysville Ace Hardware evolved into the full-service store people have come to know and love. Don Hoff, Jr. bought the business from his father in 2006.

To stay relevant and relied upon, Harleysville Ace Hardware has maintained strong core hardware departments and excellent customer service and has expanded into many niche businesses. These unique offerings include: a birding center, live goods, home décor and gifts along with a large outdoor living department. Finding the balance of niche businesses is one of the things that sets them apart from other local stores. Harleysville Ace Hardware has many store events throughout the year including ladies’ nights, grilling demos, kids’ workshops and birding seminars.

On the full-service side, customers can find high-quality products, including Best Brands like Yeti, Stihl, Traeger, Weber, Big Green Egg, and even Oakley. They are also well known for their large Christmas selection including fresh cut trees.

In addition to serving the community through their store, the entire team at Harleysville Ace Hardware is very active in serving the local community. They support local sports teams, businesses and individuals on a weekly basis. As an example of this giving spirit, Harleysville Ace Hardware provided gift cards to their local volunteer fire department in 2016 to thank them for their service.

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