Rocky’s Ace plans to buy two Mass. hardware stores

Rocky’s Ace Hardware announced its planned acquisition of two Massachusetts stores, growing its reach to 50 locations in nine states.

The Falcone family will purchase the Smith family’s Cape Ann stores – Smith Hardware & Lumber in Rockport and Hometown Ace Hardware in the Gloucester Shopping Center in Gloucester. The sale is slated to become final in March 2024.

“The Smith’s and Rocky’s stores have been part of the Ace family for decades and we have always deeply admired the way the Smith’s commitment to their employees as well as their customer connection and hometown values mirror our own,” said Rocco J. Falcone II, president and CEO of Rocky’s Ace Hardware.

Both the Falcones and the Smiths pride themselves on customer focus in a friendly, neighborhood hardware store setting, said the company.

Their commitment to family shines through – starting with their employees and extending out through all the ways they work hard to support their neighbors. In fact, the Falcones said they have a tradition of putting down roots in each of their Rocky’s store neighborhoods.

Over the years, said the firm, customer donations done as Round-Ups at the register have supported Children’s Miracle Network, Little Smiles, local animal shelters and more.

“The decision to sell the stores was not an easy one – we are marking 150 years in business this year,” said Jay R. Smith, president of Smith Hardware & Lumber and Hometown Ace Hardware.

Smith Hardware & Lumber in Rockport first opened as L.E. Smith Hardware in 1874. The Smith Family opened Hometown Ace Hardware in the Gloucester Shopping Center in 2010.

“Knowing how closely the Falcone family shares our values – respect for the employees, appreciation of the customers, and being part of the community – gives us real confidence as we pass the torch,” said Smith.

“We wish success to the Falcones, and we have every confidence that the team will continue to do us proud in these two great stores,” said Smith.  

Customers who visit the stores will continue to see the same friendly faces as there are no plans for staffing changes, said Falcone. Day-to-day operations will continue as usual.

“As we approach our 100th anniversary as a family-owned and -operated business, we are excited to become part of the Cape Ann community and continue the Smith family’s incredible legacy,” said Falcone II.