Ace Hardware announced a new experiential store concept, Elevate3 Ace, to roll out at new and existing stores over the next five years, supported with a $1 billion investment. This 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.
The Elevate3 Ace store model will feature top and exclusive brands in a brand immersive shopping environment that is unique to Ace.
“Elevate3 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 and barbecue 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.”
Key Features of the Elevate3 Ace Experiential Store Model include premium brand showrooms featuring names such as Weber, Traeger, Big Green Egg, Craftsman, DeWalt, Milwaukee, EGO and Stihl in a unique brand-immersive shopping environment; enhanced customer service; an outdoor space with a live goods display and grilling space for demos and events that will provide an aspirational backyard experience and new product assortments and features.
“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.”
Roll out will begin in limited locations this year.
