Blog

Ace Hardware is the largest retailer owned hardware cooperative in the world, with more than 5,500 locally owned and operated stores in 70 countries. Each year Ace Hardware selects a couple stores to receive their “Coolest Hardware Store” award. “Ace store owners provide shopping experiences that reflect the demands and needs of the communities they serve,” said John Kittell, Vice President of Retail Operations and New Business, Ace Hardware Corporation. “At Ace, differentiation and localization are crucial. We created these awards to recognize that for our owners every year.”

In March 2022, Ace Hardware Corporation announced it was recognizing Valley Ace Hardware in Westcliffe, CO as one of the company’s two 11th Annual “Coolest Hardware Store” award recipients. Valley Ace Hardware has a history reaching back to 1885 in Westcliffe, Colorado. The store currently boasts a 14,000 square foot retail area and a 15,000 square foot covered lumber yard. They also sell doors, windows, roofing, and siding products.

Co-owner Jeremy Handy says “Everything we do here is a display, so customers can see it; so they can feel it. And if they can enjoy what they are seeing in our store, I hope that they can enjoy it day after day in their home.”

“We’re not just a hardware store. Our vision and mission surrounds the idea of developing the community, developing our staff,” said co-owner Sarah Handy. “The possibilities are endless. And that’s what’s awesome about owning an Ace store. We have the support that we need in order to be successful, but we have the ability to do whatever we want to.”

Valley Ace Hardware is intimately involved in their community, hosting an annual kids’ workshop program, and supporting the local non-profit theater with an annual fund-raising golf tournament. They also work with groups like the Custer County Kids Council to promote healthy, educational, and fun summer activities like “Family Fun Day”, and conduct fund-raising promotions that benefit The Children’s Miracle Network and Colorado Children’s Hospitals.

Check out our announcement video here:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vZdkF0K_fCY