Do it Best Strengthens Logistics as Westlake and Aubuchon Expand; Q4 and 2024 Results Reveal Trends for This Year
Ace Hardware Reports Record 2024 Revenue
Ace Hardware reported record 2024 revenue of $9.5 billion, with strong growth in outdoor power equipment, grilling, and generators. Independent retailers can take note of trends in higher-ticket sales, digital expansion, and inventory management as key strategies for sustaining growth in a shifting retail landscape
Home Improvement Retailers Navigate Mixed Sales Trends in Q4
Home Depot, Lowe’s, Ace Hardware, and Tractor Supply reported varied Q4 results, with strong growth in outdoor power equipment and Pro sales but challenges in DIY spending. Digital expansion and high-ticket purchases drove revenue, while store expansion remained a priority. Independent retailers should watch these trends to stay competitive in 2025.
Do it Best Strengthens Logistics Leadership
Do it Best has appointed Matt Loprest and Tim Pieper as directors of operations. Their expertise follows recent leadership shifts, including Ty Sordelet’s promotion to Vice President of Logistics. Loprest brings experience in supply chain optimization from Amazon, while Pieper, a Lean Six Sigma expert, enhances distribution efficiency. For more, see Do it Best’s press release.
Aubuchon Company to Acquire Rand’s Hardware
The Aubuchon Company, headquartered in Westminster, Mass., has agreed to acquire Rand’s Hardware in Plymouth, N.H. Established in 1908, Rand’s will be rebranded as Rand’s Ace Hardware. This acquisition expands Aubuchon’s presence to 128 stores across 10 states, strengthening its regional footprint in the Northeast. For more information, visit Aubuchon’s press release.
Oatey Introduces Stylish and Functional Decorative Shower Drains
Oatey Co. has introduced a new line of decorative shower drains, combining functionality with modern design. Available in various styles and finishes, these drains enhance bathroom aesthetics while ensuring efficient drainage. Engineered for durability and easy installation, they offer a stylish solution for homeowners and professionals alike. This launch reflects Oatey’s commitment to innovation, providing high-quality products that meet evolving design and performance needs in the plumbing industry. For more information, visit the company’s press release.
Westlake Ace Hardware Expanding in Charlotte, Kansas City
Westlake Ace Hardware is continuing its expansion with new stores in North Carolina and Kansas. In the Charlotte area, a 9,000 sq. ft. store in Ballantyne Commons East Shopping Center will open in late summer 2025, while a 15,000 sq. ft. location in Wesley Chapel is set for early 2026. Additionally, Westlake Ace is building a 12,500 sq. ft. store in Shawnee, Kansas, at the Monticello Shopping Center, expected to open in late 2025 or early 2026. These stores will offer key cutting, screen repair, propane exchange, and major brands like Weber, Milwaukee, Stihl, and Benjamin Moore. For more, see the Westlake Ace press releases on Charlotte, N.C. and Shawnee, Kan.
MITER Brands Honors the Legacy of James Milgard
MITER Brands pays tribute to James Milgard, Sr., a visionary leader who passed away on January 31 at age 84. As a driving force behind MILGARD Manufacturing, Milgardbuilt a legacy of quality, innovation, and integrity that shaped the industry. Milgard was an early leader of Milgard Manufacturing, a company he co-founded with his father, Maurice Milgard, Jr., and his brother, Gary, in 1958. Milgard Manufacturing became part of MITER Brands in 2019, following its acquisition by MI Windows and Doors. For more about the life and leadership of Milgard, read MITER’s press release.
