DISTRIBUTORS/CO-OPS

Chicago -- During a general session that included sales and marketing strategies for success, Ace Hardware Corp. executives also expressed disappointment in the co-op's wholesale performance during its recent supply-chain conversion.

They also expressed optimism that its systems have stabilized and that the transition will bear fruit in the form of sales and growth.

Wayne, N.J.-based roofing and ventilation manufacturer GAF was recently awarded four American Graphic Design Awards. 

The company also won an American Package Design Award for its TruSlate Sample Box. There were over 1,500 submissions in this contest, organized by Graphic Design USA magazine, which rewards packaging, p-o-p and related projects that are visually attractive and which feature designs that advance the brand and forge an emotional connection with the purchaser.

The 2011 Ace Hardware Spring Convention and Exhibits held last week in Chicago saw a significant boost in attendance from the two previous years, according to the Oak Brook, Ill.-based hardware co-op.

Retailer attendance was up 36% compared with Ace's previous spring show in New Orleans. The Chicago event also posted a 17% increase in attendance compared with the spring show held two years ago in Las Vegas. 

Total convention attendance in Chicago topped out at about 15,000, according to Ace.

Jeff Schulein of Crown Ace Hardware has accomplished what few dealers can lay claim to: 17 stores, a solid succession plan and, since the economic downturn, no store closures or major employee layoffs. In fact, Schulein and his son, Mark, are in negotiations to open an 18th store, this one in San Diego. 


“I’m an entrepreneur who does things by the seat of his pants,” Jeff said. “Mark is a good manager. He’s highly organized. So together we make a good team.” 


The Hillman Group has announced the acquisition of TagWorks, a pet ID tag program, for $40 million in cash plus an additional consideration of $12.5 million on Oct. 31, 2011. TagWorks is responsible for paying $18.5 million in outstanding debt and transaction fees from the proceeds. The deal closed on March 16. 

Chicago-based hardware co-op True Value Co. promoted Eric Lane to the position of VP specialty businesses.

In his new post, Lane will oversee the co-op's Home & Garden Showplace, International, MRO - Maintenance, Repair and Operations, and the Rental Division including Grand Rental Station, Just Ask Rental and Taylor Rental.

Previously, Lane was business development director of retail growth. He replaces Fred Kirst, who retired Feb. 11. 

Orlando, Fla. -- Chicago-based hardware co-op True Value Co. reported wholesale revenues increased 2.3% in the fourth quarter of 2010, and retail revenues increased 4.6% for the quarter.

CEO Lyle Heidemann delivered the preliminary results to True Value members during the General Session of the co-op's 2011 Spring & Rental Market held here in Orlando. 

"Our fourth quarter results should give us some momentum going into 2011," Heidemann said. 

It’s been nearly two months since Chicago-based True Value launched its new e-commerce site, and in that time the hardware co-op has seen traffic to TrueValue.com triple.


The new site already features more than 22,000 SKUs of its core assortments in accordance with its Destination True Value format.