True Value Becomes an Ace

On December 27, True Value Hardware, the hardware store and service center will become an Ace Hardware.

 “As times change, you have to change with them to remain relevant,” said John Yates, a co-owner of the business. “Ace gives us a better opportunity to keep our business strong.”

“The decision has been a long time in the making, as Ace Hardware has been talking to us for more than a decade. In the past year, we took the idea more seriously and made the final decision in October.” Yates said.

Ace Hardware is a strong company with a strong vision for growth and solid programs to assist retailers, Yates and Snyder said, while True Value has struggled in recent years. Both companies are member-owned buyers’ co-ops, and Ace, as the stronger, larger company, has a little more buying power than True Value. Ace also advertises nationally and locally, which True Value has not done in many years, making the Ace brand more recognizable. This brand recognition factor could help sales some, but Yates said on Vashon, that likely will not matter a lot.

Vashon True Value first opened in 1977 by Al and Laura Snyder. Since then, the store has grown considerably, with the Service Center providing repair and service for mowers and other small gas engine machines.

“Our goal is to maintain our strength as a viable, Vashon business,” Yates said.

Although the last day for True Value will be Dec. 27, It may take longer to change the signage.

Early in the new year, the store will do some remodeling, including installing all new shelves, as many of the current shelves are as old as the store. The interior work will take about three weeks, and the store will maintain its regular hours throughout the process. The new layout will allow for an extra aisle, Yates noted, enabling the store to carry additional products in many of its departments.

Beyond the store’s new look, customers will find the same types of items, though many will be made by different companies.

Some of the brands that the store will carry will be quite familiar to people, Yates said, as Ace Hardware has developed partnerships with companies with well-known brands. As Ace, for example, the store will carry such stalwart brands as Sears’ Craftsman tools and DieHard batteries, Valspar paints and Husqvarna products. The store will also carry a large selection of Ace’s own products, including Ace paint, which was ranked number one in Consumer Reports last year.

Customers will likely see True Value products on the shelves for awhile; the store owns the products and can sell them to customers or to another True Value, Yates said, noting those details have not yet been sorted out. Ace products will be available after the first of the year.