Any ACE Hardware Franchisees?

[finn]

We have an ACE Hardware store about 5 blocks from my house. I know the owner, really nice guy, and the store does rather well. If you need to know how to do something, you can't beat ACE because they are able to help you. For example, if you have never done it, but want to know how to replace the flush valve in your toilet, the people at ACE will guide you thru the process. Our ACE Hardware has actually had one of their employees help customers out after work on their own time and not charge them anything. Try to get someone from a big box to even know HOW to replace parts on a toilet much less help a customer out on their own time. There is something about an ACE Hardware store that sets them apart from other hardware stores, at least that has been my experience.

I see a lot of that at the local mom and pop Ace and TV stores. Often older customers.

Problem is,unless you are the only game in town, most of these are low dollar purchases. Not many people at the checkout with a cart full of merchandise.

On the other hand, I bought my Weber grill at the TV store. The owner included a $50 gift card for the grocery store that he also owns, which ended up being the best deal in town on the grill, since Weber has retail price controls on their products.
Most of the hardware stores have also become Stihl dealers, but the lack of a real service facility scares me.

I was looking at a new saw, and asked the kid stocking shelves about service. He said he was the one that set them up and services the saws... maybe it would have worked out, but I couldn’t see how he could have the experience to do that.

 

[jonshonda]

I have often thought about how cool/fun it would be to own a tool store and inventory it with tools suggested or often written about on GJ (the top 5 pliers, wrench sets..etc). But I am pretty sure that anyone my age (37), or anyone within 10 years +/- ain't gonna give a **** why I am stocking what I am. Yes, I would have a blast doing it and would really like to stare at my inventory all day, but sourcing and purchasing would be a nightmare.

I just don't think I could stock something I knew was a *************.