Rocky’s Ace Hardware, a family-owned business with 33 neighborhood-based stores, is proud to announce that the chain has been selected to receive the Retailer of the Year Award. The award recognizes a home improvement retail company for its operational success, as well as commitment to best practices and the values of quality and service.
Rocky’s Ace Hardware has been in continuous operation under the same family ownership since 1926, when the first store opened in Springfield, Mass. “We are all very proud of this phenomenal achievement,” CEO Rocco Falcone said. “This award reflects a solid commitment to excellence from every individual in our organization. It is the culmination of their efforts that made this accomplishment possible.”
This is the first time the chain has won the award. “Home Channel News has for a long time admired Rocky’s Ace Hardware,” said Ken Clark, editor of Home Channel News. “It’s a family business with a great history, an eye on the future and an ability to grow.”
In November 2012, the company expanded its store count and entered a new market, with its opening of a 12,500-square-foot store in Fairhaven, Mass. “Our strengths include paint, outdoor power, pet, and lawn and garden,” Falcone said. “Our extensive selection along with friendly, expert advice helps us stand out from the rest.”
The company launched their “Re-Discover Rocky’s” campaign in 2012 to successfully call out their improved product assortment in areas of paint, tools, lawn care, outdoor power equipment, pet, cleaning supplies, grills and outdoor living, in addition to traditional hardware departments.
The Second Annual Pet Food Drive, held late in 2012, also served to reinforce its commitment to the local community. “The extraordinary efforts of our store members in rallying behind this worthy cause, along the outstanding generosity of our customers, resulted in an unprecedented overall donation to local, community based shelters and humane societies,” said Geoffrey Webb, director of marketing and advertising.
The program resulted in more than 6,500 pounds of pet food being donated.
The Retailer of the Year Award was presented during the 2013 National Hardware Show held in Las Vegas May 7-9. The show is recognized as the prime home improvement event of its kind, featuring more than 600 exhibitors and attracting over 27,000 industry professionals.
Rocky’s Ace Hardware, based in Springfield, Mass., operates 33 stores in Massachusetts, Connecticut, New Hampshire, Rhode Island and Florida. The firm has been in operation since the first store opened in Springfield in 1926. For info., visit www.rockys.com.
