DISTRIBUTORS/CO-OPS

Obituary: Murray Armstrong
Murray Armstrong, an Ace Hardware executive who helped build the co-op’s international division during his 21-year tenure, has died at age 63. Armstrong passed away peacefully in his home in Winfield, Ill., on Dec. 14, according to a notice posted on the website of the North American Retail Hardware Association.
Once more with feeling: Ace promotes Craftsman
Chicago -- With a view toward driving profitable sales, Ace VP merchandising John Surane pointed to some merchandise initiatives, regional wins and corporate strategies during the co-op's 2011 Ace Convention and Exhibits.

One of the brightest merchandising spots was the Craftsman tools brand. Back in February 2010, Ace and Sears announced a partnership that opened the way for Ace retailers to sell the Sears-owned Craftsman brand.

True Value Co. honors 13 high performers

Chicago-based True Value Co. recognized 13 member hardware stores as part of its fourth annual "Best Hardware Store in Town" campaign.

"These 13 stores represent what it takes to exceed customer expectations,” said Lyle Heidemann, president and CEO of True Value Co. “This select group of retailers continues to succeed by constantly recognizing and adapting to meet the different needs of the local communities they serve.”

The winners are:
Slide show: Do it Best Fall Market
Highlights from the Ace Fall Convention & Exhibits

The Ace Fall Convention & Exhibits, held Aug. 20-22, included a number of highlights: a motivational general session, the 2015 All Star Retailer award winner Dan Olson of Olson's Ace Hardware and plenty of innovative products.
Do it Best Corp Market preview, a Q&A

Do it Best's executive team weighed in on some pre-market story lines heading into the co-op's May Market in Indianapolis, including a major anniversary, buy-one-get-ones and e-commerce initiatives.

The market kicks off Friday with merchandising updates and a deep-discount Sneak Peek sales event at the Indiana Convention Center. The event runs through Monday.

Here is the interview, conducted via email, with the co-op's Rich Lynch, VP marketing and Steve Markley, VP merchandise.
HBSDealer Q&A: Guardian of the New Business Model

It was a pivotal decision in the long history of Guardian Building Products, but it paved the way for what new President and COO Jim Becker describes as a focused and committed company.
Sullivan Hardware & Garden is expanding

Indianapolis hardware icon Sullivan Hardware & Garden plans a dramatic expansion of its flagship location.
ABC finalizes deal with L&W Supply

After announcing the transaction in late August, ABC Supply Co. has finalized its purchase of L&W Supply from USG Corporation.

L&W Supply was formerly USG's building product distribution business and is a specialty distributor of drywall, ceiling tile, steel framing and other building materials used by commercial and residential contractors.
Professional Handling & Distribution gets acquired

Belvidere, Illinois-based Professional Handling and Distribution, Inc. has been acquired by a subsidiary of Gypsum Management Supply, Inc.

The acquisition of PHD expands the footprint of GMS in Chicago and adds a multi-location operation to its portfolio. PHD is a provider of drywall and related products, delivering and servicing well-known product brands to drywall subcontractors, homebuilders and general contractors.

Kevin O’Connor will continue to oversee the PHD operations.