Ace Hardware, the world's largest retailer-owned hardware cooperative, announced "ELEVATE3 Ace," its new experiential store concept to roll-out at new and existing stores over the next five years, supported with a $1 billion investment. This groundbreaking, immersive store design, unveiled at the fall convention in Chicago last week celebrating Ace's 100-year anniversary, marks a fundamental shift in the Ace store model and has proved 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," said John Venhuizen, Ace Hardware President and CEO. "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 including Weber, Traeger, Big Green Egg, Craftsman, DeWalt, Milwaukee, EGO, and Stihl in a brand immersive shopping environment that is unique to Ace.
- Enhanced Customer Service: The ELEVATE3 Ace store model enhances Ace's legendary customer service, ensuring that the new and evolving trends in consumer shopping patterns are thoughtfully addressed throughout.
- Inspiring and Stimulating Store Design: The ELEVATE3 Ace flagship store model will include an outdoor space with a stunning live goods display and grilling space for demos and events that will provide an aspirational backyard experience. Indoors and out, this innovative design will touch all five senses.
- 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 five years, Ace Hardware will invest over $1 billion in opening new stores and remodeling existing stores to better serve our neighbors," added Venhuizen. "The Elevate Ace store model will be at the heart of this investment."
More than 17,600 Ace Hardware retailers and industry professionals who attended Ace's fall convention in Chicago, the largest in hardware industry history, were the first to experience the innovative ELEVATE3 Ace store model. A fully built-out 13,000-square-foot model store on the convention floor, complete with outdoor spaces and live demonstrations, 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 roll-out in new and existing stores launching January 2025 and continuing over the next five years.