Weber lines up with Ace and Emery Jensen
Weber, one of the world’s largest grill manufacturers, made a significant change in its distribution strategy, opting to strike an exclusive deal in the convenience hardware channel with Oak Brook, Illinois-based Ace Hardware Corp. and its Emery Jensen Distribution division.
The exclusive distribution arrangement will kick in Dec. 31, 2025.
The news comes shorty after Palatine, Illinois-based Weber completed its planned business combination with Utah-based Blackstone Products to create Weber Blackstone. The exclusive arrangement in the convenience hardware channel will also apply to Blackstone grills.
Ace Hardware Corp.’s hardware wholesaler rivals Do it Best and True Value issued a quick response to the move, which they described as unfriendly to the spirit of independent retailing. The recently merged distributors issued the following alert and advice to their members and customers:
“Beginning today, you should expect to be approached by Weber’s sales reps, who will be aggressively pushing you to sign a new agreement to source Weber grills and accessories through EJD. We encourage you to be prepared to say ‘no thanks.’”
The letter, which also described a commitment to provide grill-category alternatives with better margins and consistent quality, was signed by Jason Stofleth and Justin Hanford, the VPs of merchandising for Do it Best and True Value, respectively.
At Orgill, a letter to customers from Clay Jackson, COO and EVP of purchasing of the Memphis-based distributor, expressed disappointment in Weber’s decision.
Jackson added: “It’s worth noting that fewer than 8 percent of Orgill customers purchased more than $1,000 in Weber products over the past years. Orgill already offers one of the most extensive assortments of grills and grilling-related products in the industry—including over 60 trusted brands—and we’re actively expanding our offering even further.”
Weber claims a spot in grilling history as the innovator of the original kettle charcoal grill more than 70 years ago.
At Ace Hardware, the Weber brand plays a major role in the co-op’s Elevate3 Ace experiential store concept, which intends to elevate major brands — Weber, Traeger, Big Green Egg, Craftsman, DeWalt, Milwaukee, EGO, and STIHL—in a brand-immersive shopping environment.
“Over the next five years, Ace Hardware will invest over $1 billion in opening new stores and remodeling existing stores to better serve our neighbors,” said CEO John Venhuizen, in a press release last year promoting the store concept. “The Elevate3 Ace store model will be at the heart of this investment.”
The exclusive distribution deal with Ace and EJD is contained in the convenience hardware channel. Weber products will continue to be sold at Home Depot and Lowe’s.
