These four hardware stores are officially 'cool'

Ace Hardware Corp.'s newest class of "Coolest Hardware Store" come from Texas, Florida, South Carolina and Arizona. They are each unique, but they each excel at product differentiation and community service, according to the Oak Brook, Ill.-based co-op. 

This is the sixth year of the co-ops "Coolest Hardware Store" awards program, the results of which were announced at the recent Ace Hardware Convention and Exhibits held in Chicago. Here are the winners:

Breed & Company Ace Hardware

Austin, Texas

Breed & Company is an iconic retail name in Austin dating back to 1970. The original location, purchased by the Breed family more than 45 years ago, is situated adjacent to the University of Texas campus. Over the years, the Breed family expanded to two locations and ultimately, grew Breed & Company into an Austin institution. Still locally owned and operated, the stores were purchased in 2015 by a new family of retailers. This new family has a vision to expand the role of Ace Hardware in the two stores – from being the “behind the scenes” supplier of great hardware products, to revitalizing the brand and growing the business throughout central Texas.

At Breed & Company, customers can find much more than what is traditionally expected from a hardware store. Beyond basic hardware selections like paint, tools and garden supplies, Breed & Company offers a robust selection of housewares, gifts, kitchen supplies and even fine china and linens. The store boasts a sweets shop with locally- made chocolate truffles and Third Coast Coffee, a Fair Trade, organic blend imported from a cooperative of coffee bean growers.

Hagan Ace Hardware

Jacksonville, Fla.

Founders Don and Ann Hagan opened their first Hagan Ace Hardware in 1962. Today Hagan Ace Hardware includes eight stores and is proudly owned and operated by the family, led by third and fourth generation owners Bill Hagan and his son Jacob Hagan. The store was purchased in 1988 from another Ace retailer and then rebuilt at its current location. This 30,000 sq. ft. “Coolest Ace Hardware Store” is a staple in the community for everything from hardware, grills and paint, to the more unexpected hardware store finds like jewelery, gifts, home décor and even a full-service florist.

As customers enter the store, they are greeted by the smell of freshly-made popcorn and can explore the 10,000 sq. ft. greenhouse, stocked with flowers and plants that are sourced locally by their horticulture experts. In addition, a portion of the store is dedicated exclusively to products related to outdoor coastal activities, including kayaks, paddleboards clothing and footwear. Area residents can also gather all of their pool supply products by stopping into Hagan Ace Hardware. Hagan Ace Hardware offers area residents free pool water testing and a broad selection of pool parts, supplies and water toys.

Heuser Ace Hardware

Bluffton, S.C.

Opened just over a year ago, Heuser Ace Hardware at Buckwalter Place is already an award-winning retailer. The store has been named the “Best of Bluffton” for the hardware and home improvement categories, two years running. Situated in the heart of Bluffton’s downtown, Heuser Ace Hardware’s 12,000 sq. ft. hardware store evokes a classic Main Street vibe.

In addition to serving the community as an outstanding hardware store, owners Bob, Renee and Bobby Heuser proudly offer a full service bike shop. This unique department sells bicycles that are made in the U.S. and appeals to the community’s active lifestyle – both for young families and local retirees. Heuser Ace Hardware is also a sought out destination for its beautiful selection of plants and bird feeders, and even has an expert with a PhD in horticulture and two master gardeners on staff.

Staffing and training are extremely important to the management team at Heuser Ace Hardware, so much so that in addition to the knowledgable horticulturists on staff, they also hired a master electrician and master plumber. The skilled associates at Heuser Hardware are required to participate in a robust training certification, and only those who complete it are permitted to wear Ace’s iconic red vest.

Ace Hardware

Tucson, Ariz.

This Tucson Ace Hardware store dates back to 1962 when Joe and Toni Findysz opened the business as the first Ace Hardware located west of the Mississippi River. Today, the store is still operated by the same family, with Joe and Kelly Findysz at the helm. Store owners have overcome countless competitors over the past five decades, but their dedication to innovation has enabled the store to thrive.

In addition to serving the community as an outstanding hardware store, the Findysz’s 37,000 sq. ft. Ace Hardware offers a world-class fasteners department, a woodworking and custom cabinetry workshop and a hobby shop. It features a fully functional kitchen that serves as a demonstration area for the latest housewares products and gadgets. The store even boasts a full-service small engine repair shop.

Upon entering the store’s 7,000 sq. ft. hobby shop, customers are greeted by a custom- built train that serves as the register area. Venturing into the 10,000 sq. ft. housewares department, shoppers will find locally-made products, including canned salsa, and even themed pasta for the University of Arizona.