Ace Hardware had their fall convention earlier this month, which is an opportunity for franchisees, potential franchisees, and vendors to get together. At the event they unveiled their new store format, ELEVATE3, that features grilling.
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.
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.
John Venhuizen, Ace Hardware President and CEO
The new store model will put a focus on Ace’s most exclusive brands. As called out by Ace, that includes Weber, Traeger, and Big Green Egg.
It’s a much better way to feature their grill brands than what their current model. Most Ace Hardware’s I’ve been in just have an open section that packed with grills and grill accessories.
The cleaner, more organized displays should be easier for customers to focus on their product offerings and compare different options. It also provides an opportunity to draw more of a focus to certain brands or models.
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. The Elevate Ace store model will be at the heart of this investment
John Venhuizen, Ace Hardware President and CEO
ELEVATE3 will be in limited locations beginning this year. Turning ahead to next year, a full roll-out will happen starting in January.