The neighborhood hardware store located at 1312 West Mulberry Street in Salem is getting a makeover and will become Ace Hardware of Salem on January 2, 2014.
“It’s an Extreme makeover,” owner Bob Strange said this morning on WSLM’s Coffee Club. “We’re always looking for new ways to serve the community. Ace Hardware can help us do that better.”
Strange said the Salem True Value store was the second largest True Value operation in Indiana, tipping the scales at more than 26,000 square feet.
“We have some opportunities to expand and grow upon our core business,” Strange said.
The Stihl outdoor power equipment, Carhart clothing and boots as well as Radio Shack will remain.
“We have what we call general brands which won’t change at all — the brand name associated with Ace Hardware will change. The values will be the same or better. The common name of Ace will replace the products on the shelf and the signage. We hope to add to the product line with Craftsman tools. This is one complete department that will switch. We will still keep Dawalt and the other national brands. What will be impacted will be the Master Mechanic brands associated with True Value.”
Strange said the property will continue to be family-owned and will own the inventory. The main change is that Ace has a tremendous buying power, nationally, with more than 4,600 stores. Ace also has stores in 66 other countries.
“The size of the business adds to more of the reason to why we wanted to move to someone with more volume,” Strange said. “We want this to strengthen our core departments.”
Salem True Value recently was named BUSINESS OF THE YEAR by the Washington County Chamber of Commerce.
“At Ace Hardware of Salem, we strive to offer a more personal kind of helpful when assisting Salem residents in finding the right products, supplies and tools to maintain their homes — our customers are our neighbors, not just a number,” said Strange.
The new Ace Hardware will include the Ace-exclusive paint brands like Clark+Kensington, Ace’s paint and primer in one.
“Ace’s brand recognition is unmatched – and being part of Ace means we are now able to offer our customers impactful national promotions and the brands they want, along with the personal, knowledgeable and helpful service that they have come to expect when shopping at their neighborhood Ace Hardware store,” said Strange.
