Ace Retail Holdings is acquiring Bishop Ace Hardware, a 13-store chain in central Illinois. Bishop Ace currently owns and operates two Ace Hardware stores in Springfield (214 N. Walnut St. and 1600 Wabash Ave.), one in Chatham (1200 North Main St.) and in in Jacksonville (900 W. Morton St.) in addition to nine other stores throughout central Illinois.
Bishop Ace Hardware owners Lucy Stafford and George Preckwinkle like to say they were literally born into the hardware business after their parents founded the business in 1960 in Springfield, beginning with one small, local hardware store.
“Our partnership with the Ace brand goes back
to 1960. While carrying the Ace brand, the family grew Bishop Hardware from one
to 13 stores,” said Preckwinkle. “We’ve always been eager to adopt new Ace
programs, product lines and technologies to help our store teammates provide
the best level of service to our customers and communities.”
Stafford noted, “We’re not just selling
hardware, we’re helping customers improve their lives with advice and quality
products. Our connection with our customers is deeper than just sales, and Ace
Retail Holdings feels the same way. As we hand over the reins, we are confident
our shared values will help ensure the continuation of the high level of
customer service and community involvement we have always strived for as a
family business.”
According to Ace Retail Holdings, the stores
will retain their Ace branding, store management, personnel and the current
product mix. It is anticipated the acquisition will be completed on July 28.
Joe Jeffries, president and CEO of Ace Retail
Holdings remarked, “Bishop Ace Hardware has always placed a priority on making
sure that customers throughout Illinois are provided with the products, support
and world-class service that is the cornerstone of the Ace brand. Their passion
for the hardware business has created a tradition of excellence that is truly
inspiring. It is an honor to continue their legacy.”
Headquartered in the Kansas City Area, Ace Retail
Holdings is a division of Ace Hardware Corporation.
