DISTRIBUTORS/CO-OPS

When True Value retailers assemble in Orlando, Fla., Feb. 20 to 22, the Chicago-based co-op will invite retailers to audition for its television campaigns. 

According to Chris Taylor, True Value's director of communications, the one-day-only open auditions for camera-friendly retailers will be among the highlights of the co-op's market event. The retailers selected will play roles in the co-op's national advertising campaign in 2012.

Nashville, Tenn. — Bill Harrison of McGuckin Hardware was one of thousands of technology-focused professionals who spent several days under the science fiction-like glass dome of the Gaylord Opryland Hotel here during the Epicor Global User Conference last month.

As is its annual custom (now in its fourth year), Ace Hardware Corporation recognized a new spate of Ace stores in its 2014 "Coolest Hardware Store" awards. Six stores nabbed the title out of 4,850 Ace stores worldwide, named officially during Ace's Platinum Conference held in Las Vegas.

Ace’s HardwareStoresForSale.com is designed to facilitate the buying and selling of hardware stores, and now related equipment.

Mydoitbest.com, the Fort Wayne, Ind.-based co-op's member-exclusive communication portal, is receiving a facelift and a makeover.

According to the co-op, the new enhancements include a cleaner look, a smoother interface, streamlined navigation and enhanced search capabilities.    

The site is currently undergoing testing and fine-tuning, guided by member feedback. It is expected to go live in the next one or two weeks, the co-op said.

The Oak Brook, Ill.-based co-op launched hardwarestoresforsale.com as a listing service for retailers, regardless of affiliation.

As paint-aisle competition heats up across the home improvement industry, Chicago-based True Value Company says its new True Value Beauty by Design color center is brushing up stores with enhanced technology and merchandising.

Four South Dakota hardware stores have joined Ace Hardware, the Oak Brook, Ill.-based co-op announced recently.

The stores, owned by John Niederauer, are located in the South Dakota cities of Dell Rapids, Miller, Redfield and Tea. All four stores underwent the transformation in mid-August.