In the News

The Kansas City ‘Retail Support Center’ is revving up to deliver. Ace Hardware’s new Kansas City distribution center — called the Retail Support Center in the co-op’s parlance — is the biggest in the Ace fleet of DCs. It covers 1.5 million square feet and measures a half mile from end to end.

Ace Hardware’s chief marketing officer Kim Lefko is on a mission to keep the 101 year old brand vibrant and modern. She attributes the company’s relevance to its gritty entrepreneurial spirit.

Ace Hardware is the latest retailer to reward its loyalty members with special deals in early July during the same timeframe as Amazon’s Prime Day.

Ace Hardware and Big Green Egg recently announced a partnership to recognize everyday heroes through the “Egg Your Neighbor” contest. The contest invites people across the country to nominate local heroes who are making a difference in their communities to win a premium grilling package.

For businesses large and small, the lesson Ace Hardware has embraced is clear: community engagement isn’t just a corporate social responsibility, it’s a strategic advantage. Companies that authentically connect with the communities in which they reside create a competitive edge that transcends size, price and selection. The most successful organizations recognize that becoming loved and appreciated in their communities is good for business.