Recent Features, News & Products from Hardware Connection
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Steel Meets Strategy: Q&A With Mayhew President John Lawless
As expectations rise, Lawless says customers are demanding longer life, tighter consistency and proof behind performance—driving how Mayhew approaches materials and manufacturing. Mayhew president John Lawless offers a long-view perspective on manufacturing, distribution and the future of hand tools. For more than a century and a half, Mayhew Steel Products has built its reputation on…
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Expansion Fuels Retail Growth in Flat Year
By Craig Webb — Westlake Ace Hardware’s relocation to a new 16,000-square-foot store in Omaha, Neb., reflects the expansion strategy highlighted in the CS150 report, which led Westlake to a 5.6 percent sales increase. Hardware retailers posted modest sales gains in 2025, as consolidation, installation services and store expansion reshape the competitive landscape. Hardware store…
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Aubuchon Adds Eight Arkansas Locations with Acquisition of F.L. Davis Deal
The Aubuchon Company is expanding further into the South through an agreement to acquire the assets and operations of seven F.L. Davis Ace stores in Arkansas, marking the company’s first entry into the state and extending its footprint to 144 stores across 12 states following a planned June 5 closing. Under the agreement, Aubuchon and…
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Iowa-based Spahn & Rose Lumber Co. Announces Leadership Transition
Matthew Parrish will become the ninth CEO/president in Spahn & Rose Lumber Co.’s 122-year history, bringing more than 30 years of experience in the building materials industry to the role. Spahn & Rose Lumber Co. announced a leadership transition that will bring Matthew Parrish into the role of CEO and president as current CEO/president Dave…
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Do it Best Group Reports $3.6 Billion Q3, Expands Retail Pulse Rollout
Do it Best Group reported consolidated gross revenues of $3.6 billion for its third quarter, up 46 percent from the prior quarter and nearly 8 percent year over year, according to a recent company press release. The Fort Wayne, Indiana-based company said operational savings, integration efforts and new data-focused retail tools contributed to the quarter’s…
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Ace Hardware Introduces AI Assistant for In-store Associates
Ace Hardware has introduced an AI-powered tool designed to support store associates with real-time product information and customer assistance, the company announced April 28. The tool, called “Hey ARMA,” is available on handheld devices used by associates and provides access to product details, project guidance and recommendations during customer interactions. According to the company, the…
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Costello’s Ace Hardware Expands with New Stores in New Jersey, Pennsylvania
Costello’s Ace Hardware is expanding its multi-state footprint with a renewed emphasis on new store development, highlighted by a flagship location in Cedar Knolls, N.J., and a new store under construction in Abington, Pa. The Deer Park, New York–based retailer is working toward a goal of 100 locations by 2030. While recent growth has included…
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Do it Best Group Earns Event of the Year Honor at IMPRESS Awards
Do it Best Group was recognized with the Event of the Year award at the IMPRESS Awards, presented by the Meeting Professionals International Indiana Chapter, during a ceremony held April 23 at the FORUM Event Center. The award honors outstanding achievement in meeting and event execution across Indiana. Do it Best Group received the recognition…
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From Niche to Normal — Fairfax Lumber & Hardware’s Fairfax Green Program
Last August, Bob Franz and Kim Bunce accepted the Best of Marin Award on behalf of the employee-owners of Fairfax Lumber & Hardware. In California, Fairfax Lumber & Hardware’s Fairfax Green program shows how product selection and pricing alignment turn environmental focus into everyday retail results. Two decades ago, Fairfax Lumber & Hardware in Fairfax,…
