Size often does make a difference, and in the case of Toole’s Ace Hardware Stores, thirteen stores and counting, smaller is definitely better. As Susan Stratton, Marketing Manager with them for 20+ years, says: “It may sound surprising, but most of our Ace Hardware customers prefer us because we’re smaller, more convenient, offer truly personalized service—we know many of our customers by name, and shopping is fast and easy.” Now, they’re taking this exemplary service to the Hamlin area, with their new storefront now open.
Ace Hardware stores are locally and family owned and, in some ways, are present-day embodiments of the days when you could stop in, buy one bolt or screw, and leave. Or, talk to someone who actually knows what he or she is talking about. They sell the top tool brands—Craftsmen, Milwaukee, Stihl. “Eleven of our Ace Hardware stores are certified Stihl dealers. Our repair people get extensive training from Stihl until they can tear anything down and put it right back together.”
They even sell bait… Let’s see a big box store top that! “I just love to see a dad or grandpa come in with their child for nightcrawlers, minnows, shiners, red worms. Oh yes, we have poles, tackle, apparel, whatever they need.”
It seems those days when shop owners truly cared about their communities and customers are still here with us—at your neighborhood Ace Hardware Store.
