True Value seeks reversal from Stanley

[UPDATE: True Value Company has resolved an issue with Stanley Black & Decker, which has reversed a previous decision to stop supplying the distributor. Read the updated article here.]

“Inappropriate and unlawful” – that’s how True Value CEO Chris Kempa describes a decision by Stanley Black & Decker to cease shipments to True Value.

In a letter penned by Kempa and posted by a retailer to the Google Hardlines Digest message board, the True Value CEO described how Stanley Black & Decker surprised the distributor with notice that Stanley intended to cease supplying their products effective Aug. 23, 2021.

True Value emphasized that Stanley product will remain available through True Value through the end of the year and probably longer, regardless of the outcome of ongoing discussions.

“We are actively talking with Stanley and doing everything in our power on behalf of our independent hardware retailers to reverse the decision," said Kempa, in an e-mail statement. 

Stanley Black & Decker did not immediately respond to a request for information regarding its relationship with True Value.

Kempa’s letter reads in part: “True Value views this decision as both inappropriate and unlawful and we are preparing to file a legal claim against Stanley and all other parties involved for damages that this type of action, if implemented, would cause to True Value and your independent businesses.”

Kempa says not only has True Value honored all of its commitments to Stanley, but it also enjoyed record sales with the brand in 2020.

[Read the full letter attached below.]