Ace Hardware Debuts Experiential Store Format
Ace Hardware has introduced a new experiential store format dubbed “Elevate3 Ace.” The Oak Brook, Illinois-based hardware cooperative is investing $1 billion to roll out the "inspiring and stimulating" concept to new and existing stores over the next five years, according to a media release.
The flagship store design was unveiled at the Ace Hardware Fall Convention in Chicago, Aug. 8-10. Ace erected a fully built-out 13,000-square-foot Elevate3 model store on the convention floor, complete with outdoor spaces and live demonstrations.
Coinciding with Ace's 100-year anniversary, the retailer said this initiative marks a “fundamental shift” in its store model as it enhances the customer experience and drives store growth.
Key features of Elevate3 include:
- Premium brand showrooms that elevate popular and exclusive brands, including Weber, Traeger, Big Green Egg, Craftsman, DeWalt, Milwaukee, Ego Power and Stihl, in a shopping environment that is unique to Ace.
- Immersive indoor and outdoor design that touches on the five senses, including an outdoor space with a live goods display and a grilling area for product demos and events.
- New product assortments and features designed to encourage sales and enhance the overall consumer shopping experience.
- Enhanced customer service to ensure that new and evolving trends in consumer shopping patterns are addressed throughout the store.
“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 and barbeque, and home preservation,” John Venhuizen, Ace Hardware president and CEO, said in the release. “We believe in the power of local, and this initiative strengthens our community ties by creating experiential spaces [to shop and to connect.] Our neighbors will benefit from locally relevant, premium products, expert advice and immersive retail innovation.
“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.”
Elevate3 will debut at limited locations beginning this year, with the full rollout to new and existing stores coming January 2025 and continuing over the next five years.