DISTRIBUTORS/CO-OPS

During his address at True Value’s Fall Reunion in October, Burger describes an “intense and consuming process of figuratively tearing down the entire structure of a business and putting it back together.”

The co-op says Lars Hybel has a wealth of experience leading multinational and global teams, having worked for more than 15 years at Electrolux.

Orlando, Florida -- With Internet sales growing faster than other channels across the U.S. retail scene, Ace Hardware rolled out a new Web-embracing deal for dealers.

In essence, retailers that sign up for Ace’s In-Store Pick Up service receive 100% profit on Internet sales, up from 70%.

The True Value store will add a garden center in 2010....

The 20th annual event attracts more than 350 rental operators and 230 vendors....

Chicago-based hardware co-op True Value Co. has been immersed in the retail industry for decades....

DENVER — Some 4,000 people filed into the Bellco Theatre in Denver to hear the latest on True Value’s much-anticipated unveiling of its strategic plan.

As we settled into our seats, a stringed instrument quartet pounded out the heart-throbbing chords of Led Zeppelin’s Kashmir. About two hours later, president and CEO John Hartmann was driving across the stage on a dirt bike. An uninvited fire alarm interfered with his closing remarks, but the point was made: engagement, growth, efficiency — three pillars of a new True Value.

From the outside, the Mount Prospect, Ill., True Value hardware store looks a lot like any other True Value store. It’s only 2 years old, so the sign above the door appears extra bright red and white.

When you walk through the entrance, it still looks a lot like most of the Chicago-based co-op’s fashion-forward Destination True Value format stores. At 12,600 sq. ft., it’s a little bigger than most. The registers are ringing up front, and a racetrack is punctuated by 38 endcaps promoting product, as well as ideas for the home.