Ace Hardware Unveils Store Remodeling Investment
Ace Retail Holdings has unveiled a five-year store remodeling initiative to enhance the hardware shopping experience.
The company — which operates Westlake Ace Hardware, Great Lakes Ace Hardware and other banners — plans to retrofit more than 80 stores with its Elevate3 Ace experiential format, starting with 20 remodels per year. The first Great Lakes Ace pilot debuted in Shelby Township, Michigan, in 2024, followed by a Westlake Ace in Raleigh, North Carolina, earlier this year.
ALSO: Ace Hardware Debuts RedVest Media as Elevate3 Format Gains Momentum
Key Features of the Elevate3 Concept
- BBQ Department: Branded grills from Blackstone, Weber, Traeger and Big Green Egg are merchandised alongside fuels and accessories in a “showroom” environment. Associates use a new smart Mobile Grilling Digital Assistant to help shoppers find the right grill.
- Power Tools & Outdoor Power: Ace is combining top power tool brands such as Craftsman, DeWalt and Milwaukee with outdoor equipment brands including EGO and STIHL. The integrated layout reflects consumer preferences for rechargeable and interchangeable battery systems, per the release.
- Paint & Home Preservation: Core categories such as fasteners, hand tools and paint remain central, with assortments streamlined for efficiency. The “Paint Studio” features brands including Benjamin Moore and Magnolia Home by Joanna Gaines, supported by expert services such as color matching.
- Store-Within-a-Store Concepts: Select locations will add “The Kitchen Connection,” highlighting cookware and gourmet food with sampling events, and an “Apparel Shop” featuring Carhartt, Ariat and other lifestyle workwear brands.
The remodel initiative underscores how Ace is leaning into branded experiences and category storytelling to differentiate in a competitive home improvement landscape. By pairing top national brands with curated environments and digital selling tools, the retailer is aiming to build stronger connections with shoppers while driving cross-category purchases.
“In addition to providing a fresh showcase for the Ace Helpful Promise, the [Elevate3 Ace] design allows us to better serve our customers and neighbors by creating distinctive spaces that elevate and showcase best-in-class brands,” Joe Jeffries, president and CEO of Ace Retail Holdings, said in a media release.
Ace recently announced the one-year anniversary of the inception of Elevate3. The concept has moved beyond pilot into full rollout, with more than 130 remodels completed to date. Compared to non-implementing locations, Elevate3 stores are reporting +12% sales growth and +10% gross profit gains, according to the retailer.
