DISTRIBUTORS/CO-OPS

Ace Hardware is expanding its use of the services of eBay Enterprise to deliver omnichannel In-Store Pickup services to its customers, which is due to be implemented in a total of 1,000 stores nationwide.

Mike Clark took over as True Value senior vp and chief merchandising officer in April,...

In Las Vegas during its 2010 Fall Market, the Chicago-based co-op rolled out a full...

Orlando -- Author and customer service consultant Shep Hyken told Ace Hardware dealers that being helpful means more than just making sales. It means being a bigger part of the community.

Hyken is author of “Amaze Every Customer Every Time,” an analysis and case study of Ace Hardware stores. During the General Session of the Ace Hardware Fall Convention & Exhibits here at the Orange County Convention Center, Hyken pointed to tools retailers can use to beat the competition at customer service.

His advice:

Executives from True Value, Orgill, Lowe’s and Do it Best will headline the retailers panel...

Ron Jarvis, VP environmental innovation for The Home Depot, said he is “extremely impressed” with how consumers are not just asking for, but demanding, energy-efficient products for their homes — this despite an unsteady economy. 

But thanks to strong marketing programs and ongoing education about the long-term cost-effectiveness of energy-efficient products — and 20 years of Energy Star promotions — customers are opting for products that will save them energy and money.

Paint giant Valspar has every intention of profiting from its move to acquire the Ace Hardware private-label paint business, it just hasn't happened yet.

Valspar executives walked analysts through the plan during the company's third-quarter conference call. The analysts seemed highly interested in Valspar's seven-month-old relationship with Ace. 

Occupying space in a former Wal-Mart, the Decorah store will feature a Just Ask Rental...