Jan. 9 2023, Hendricks, Minn. — Ace Hardware has announced that Hendricks Farmers Lumber Co. recently became a part of the Ace Hardware cooperative.
Hendricks Farmers Lumber Co. General Manager Orv Johnson said the store previously was in association with United Hardware, which they will continue to be purchasing from, but Ace Hardware will become the primary supplier of hardware and paint for the store. The first order is set for next week.
"[There is a] broader product selection and availability, more competitive pricing, rewards program, their user-friendly website with online ordering with shipping to a customer's residence available, and many more resources that improve customer service, merchandising, training, etc.," Johnson said.
Johnson said other factors – such as national advertising, local ability to shop online and ship to a store or residence, more frequent deliveries and shipments at a better fill rate – were also taken into consideration when deciding to switch suppliers.
As part of the change, Johnson said the store will be remodeled beginning in June.
"I’m very confident once we get through the reset and the store is completely converted, we will have a much broader selection of products in-store in virtually every category," Johnson said. "I think the pricing will be more competitive and the community will benefit by having more products available in town without having to drive 30 miles, or even leave their home."
Johnson said though the supplier will be changing, the store will keep its name and the services provided will remain the same.
"I want the community to know that the business is going to remain Hendricks Farmers Lumber Co., as it has for the last 108 years," Johnson said. "We are making this change to help serve them better in various ways. We truly want to make it easier for people to shop locally and get the products they need at a competitive price. I also want the community to give us feedback on items they would like us to stock, and let us know what they do or don’t like."
Johnson asks that the community be patient during the change.
"I do ask for their patience during the conversion over the next three to four months as we will be trying to liquidate some items," he said. "The store will be a little more of a mess until we complete the remodel in June. I’ve worked with Ace Hardware before, and I am very confident this conversion will be great for the community and the Hendricks area."
Information about the store's grand reopening will be made available to the public as soon as possible.
About Ace Hardware
Ace Hardware is the largest retailer-owned hardware cooperative in the world with more than 5,600 locally owned and operated hardware stores in approximately 65 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 Santa Catarina, Mexico. Since 1924, Ace has become a part of local communities around the world and known as the place with the helpful hardware folks. In 2022, Ace ranked “Highest in Customer Satisfaction with Home Improvement Retail Stores” according to J.D. Power, 15 out of the last 16 years.
For more information, visit acehardware.com or newsroom.acehardware.com.
