Posted on: Friday, October 5, 2001

Hardware Hawaii switches to Ace

By Andrew Gomes
Advertiser Staff Writer

Locally owned hardware and lumber supplier Hardware Hawaii is switching its buying cooperative affiliation from True Value to Ace Hardware.

The change, announced yesterday, marks the defection of True Value's largest purchaser among 7,000 members nationwide, according to Hardware Hawaii.

Hardware Hawaii operates hardware and lumber outlets in Kailua, Kane'ohe and Mapunapuna. Barry Lundquist, company executive vice president and chief operating officer, said Ace had become more efficient and could offer his company better prices and delivery service, which sparked the switch after 28 years.

"Ace has been luring us for many, many years," he said. "For us it's just a better way to buy."

Lundquist said his company will benefit from lower costs for inventory and advertising that he plans to pass on to customers. As for selection, he said there should be little difference.

The move reduces the number of True Value members in Hawai'i from 10 to seven, while raising the number of Ace member stores to 30.

City Mill remains the largest locally owned home-improvement chain in the state with eight stores. Industry giant Home Depot plans to open its fourth Hawai'i store next year. Lowe's has two stores.

Hardware Hawaii, which traces its roots back to 1941, has been a True Value member since 1973. True Value is a division of TruServ, the nation's largest hardware cooperative whose 8,500 members generate $18 billion in retail sales.

Ace is collectively owned by about 5,000 independent retailers with $13 billion in sales. Hardware Hawaii will phase in Ace merchandise as it phases out its True Value inventory through November.

Reach Andrew Gomes at agomes@honoluluadvertiser.com or 525-8065.