Aubuchon Company Acquiring Curry Ace Hardware Stores

Sean and Bob Curry have agreed to sell Curry Ace Hardware in Quincy and Hanover, Mass., to the Aubuchon Company, the oldest and largest group of family-owned hardware stores in America. Curry’s two stores will continue to operate as “Curry Ace Hardware.”

Following the closing later this year, the Aubuchon Company will operate 113 stores in nine states. “Celebrating 78 years, Curry Ace Hardware is an independent success story that I have long admired,” said Will Aubuchon, IV, president and CEO. “For three generations, the Curry family has consistently invested in their business, built an incredible team and supported their local communities. Simply put, Curry Ace Hardware is an inspiration!”

“We treat customers like family, like neighbors,” says Sean Curry. “Helping our neighbors every day is so rewarding because we genuinely love what we do. We are the go-to place in our communities, providing real help, with real people. Our passion is making a difference with each and every person that walks through our doors.”

With Bob turning 80 and Sean’s children on different career paths, now is the time to start a new chapter in Curry’s history. “We’ve always worked hard to honor the tradition of my Grandparents Paul and Grace,” says Curry. “As we look to the next 100 years for Curry Ace Hardware, we didn’t want to just sell to anyone. We wanted to find the best fit for our customers and staff. For years we have respected the Aubuchon family and how they operate their stores. Passing our legacy on to another family business means a lot to us. And for me personally, joining their team to help another family business grow just feels right.”

“Sean has always been a high-performing retailer,” says Aubuchon. “His knowledge of not only the hardware industry but of the Ace Hardware cooperative in particular is really valuable. But, most important of all, his passion for people and customers is something that will no doubt help elevate the Aubuchon Company as we continue to grow and realize our full potential.”

“Already four generations in, the fact that the Aubuchon Company continues to think long-term, investing in a whole new generation of hardware retailing, is so exciting,” says Curry. “We’ll soon be officially welcoming the Curry team to the Aubuchon family. We work hard, we take care of each other, and we have fun,” said Aubuchon. “We couldn’t be more delighted to carry on the Curry legacy.”

Paul and Grace Curry opened Curry Ace Hardware in 1945. At the time, they had five children and had saved $5,000 to start a business they knew nothing about. The location was 3,000 square feet and was a big risk as they had no retail or hardware experience. Over the years, they had four more children (now totaling nine) who all worked in the store as they grew up.

In 1972, Grace had a stroke and Paul decided to stay home to take care of her. Bob and his wife Marie stepped into the business and ultimately purchased the business from his dad. Bob and Marie grew the business into two locations. Their son Sean joined the business full time in 1990 and progressed from sales clerk to president of the company. Sadly, Marie passed away from breast cancer in 1995. Bob remarried and he and his wife Cheryle took time off to enjoy semi-retirement and travel. Over the past 20+ years, some locations were opened and others were sold, forming the exceptional business and staff today at Curry Ace Hardware.

Founded by William E. Aubuchon Sr. in 1908, the Aubuchon Company is the oldest and largest family-owned hardware store chain in America. Now in its fourth generation, the purpose of the Aubuchon Company is “to serve those who depend on us and build on our heritage with passion and humility.”

Following the purchase of Curry Ace Hardware, the Aubuchon Company will operate 113 stores in nine states, predominantly under the “Aubuchon Hardware” brand, but also including “Lyndonville Hardware & Lumber” in Lyndonville, Vt., “Village Hardware” in Alexandria, Va., “True Value” in Bucks & Montgomery Counties, Pa., “Cornell’s Hardware” in Eastchester, N.Y., “Martin’s Hardware & Building Supply” in Bristol, Vt., “Campbell’s True Value” in Maine, “Zimmerman’s Hardware” in Burtonsville, Md., “J.B. Hostetter & Sons” in Mount Joy, Pa., and now Curry Ace Hardware in Massachusetts. The company’s mission is to build up the strongest group of local hardware stores and brands across the country.