Oak Brook, Ill. — Ace Hardware, the world’s largest retailer-owned hardware cooperative, plans to roll out ELEVATE3 Ace, a new experiential store concept that will be launched in new and existing stores over the next 5 years, supported with a $1 billion investment. This groundbreaking, immersive store design was unveiled this month at the fall convention in Chicago, celebrating Ace’s 100-year anniversary and marking a fundamental shift in the Ace store model 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,” says John Venhuizen, president and CEO of Ace Hardware. “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.”
Key Features of the ELEVATE3 Ace Experiential Store Model:
• Premium Brand Showrooms: The ELEVATE3 Ace store model will elevate the best and most exclusive brands in a brand immersive shopping environment that is unique to Ace.
• Enhanced Customer Service: The new store model enhances Ace’s legendary customer service.
• Inspiring and Stimulating Store Design: The ELEVATE3 Ace flagship store model will include an outdoor space with a live goods display and grilling space for demos and events that will provide an aspirational backyard experience.
• New Assortments and Features: Ace retailers will benefit from new product assortments and features designed to drive sales and enhance the overall consumer shopping experience.
“Over the next 5 years, Ace Hardware will invest over $1 billion in opening new stores and remodeling existing stores to better serve our neighbors,” adds Venhuizen. “The Elevate Ace store model will be at the heart of this investment.”
At its recent convention in Chicago, Ace constructed a fully built-out 13,000-square-foot model store on the convention floor, complete with outdoor spaces and live demonstrations. The model 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 rollout in new and existing stores launching January 2025 and continuing over the next 5 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. Since 1924, headquartered in Oak Brook, Ill., Ace and its subsidiaries operate a network of distribution centers in the U.S. and have distribution capabilities in Ningbo, China; and Cuautitlán Izcalli, Mexico. For more information, visit www.acehardware.com.
SOURCE: Ace Hardware Corporation