News

Ace hammering out smaller stores

July 18, 2012

Following the recent retail trend of smaller stores, Ace Hardware has opened about 400 scaled-down locations that take up only 5,000 square feet or less, Mike Berschauer, director of retail development, Ace Hardware Corporation, said in a company announcement.

"Our goal is both to drive incremental store growth for Ace and to mirror the 'best in class' offerings available at our larger stores. Essentially we're providing the same top-notch brands and exceptional customer service, but just in a smaller space," he said.

The more compact stores, which include customized merchandising displays and stock more than 11,000 of the retailer's most popular and profitable hardware products, allow Ace to continue growing share in markets that aren't able to accommodate additional full-size retail locations, said Berschauer, who expects the new format to lend itself to the following retail scenarios:

Store within a store: An existing grocery or paint store may integrate Ace merchandise and services and operate seamlessly as one retail location.

Annex locations: A current Ace retailer could open a smaller "branch" store in proximity to his or her main retail location to increase profitability and provide helpful service to more consumers.

Rural markets: The owner of a farm or ranch supply store may add an Express format Ace Hardware to fulfill the home improvement needs of the area.

Urban markets: A retailer in a metropolitan area could open an Express format Ace that optimizes often compact available space and provides a convenient shopping experience for urban consumers.

Read more about store design and layout.