Golden Hammer strikes for Rocky's Ace Hardware

Rocky's Ace Hardware, the Springfield, Mass.-based hardware store company with 33 stores in five states, will accept the Retailer of the Year Award during the 2013 Golden Hammer Awards breakfast ceremony in Las Vegas, May 8, during the National Hardware Show.

The award recognizes a home improvement retail company for its operational success, as well as its commitment to best practices and industry values of quality and service.

Rocky's Ace Hardware has been in continuous operation under the same family ownership since 1926, when the first store opened in Springfield. 

"Home Channel News has for a long time admired Rocky's Ace Hardware," said Ken Clark, editor of Home Channel News. "It's a family business with a great history, an eye on the future and an ability to grow."

In November, the company expanded its store count to 33 with an opening in Fairhaven, Mass. Rocky's stores also operate in Connecticut, New Hampshire, Rhode Island and Florida. The company says its particular strengths include paint, outdoor power, pet and lawn and garden. 

The company's recently launched Re-Discover Rocky's campaign attempt to connect with new and existing customers by hammering the message of product assortment and knowledge in the areas of grills, paint, tools and lawn, in addition to traditional hardware. 

Rocky’s also hit a home run with its Second Annual Pet Food Drive. “The efforts our store team members in rallying behind this worthy cause, along with the outstanding generosity of our customers, resulted in an unprecedented overall donation to local, community-based shelters and humane societies,” said Geoffrey Webb, director of marketing and advertising. The program resulted in more than 6,500 lbs. of food being donated for needy animals.

Recent honorees include Aubuchon Hardware (2012), Westlake Hardware (2011), Marvin's Home Centers (2009) Tractor Supply Co. (2007).

For information about the National Hardware Show, click here.