Ace hardware opened in The Woodlands this last fall and I can't tell you how excited we were for them to open. You are probably wondering why anyone would get excited about a hardware store opening.
We have lived in the most northern area of Harris County for over 12 years now and for the most part love it. One of the only drawbacks has been not having conveniences. I have always said that we are 20 minutes from everything but not close to anything. A trip to the hardware story could easily take an hour or longer round trip. You can imagine our excitement when we saw an Ace opening up just 5 minutes north of us in The Woodlands.
We are fairly constant patrons but I did not realize it was a franchise until I thought about writing this post and asked if it was okay for me to take pictures. In doing so I found out the owners Dennie and Christine Rowland live just a little south of us here in Harris County. Their story could be our story except they took action. We were forever saying someone needs to open a hardware store up here. Dennie thought the same thing and after one of those treks to the big hardware store he came home in frustration and got on the computer to check out putting in a hardware store. I'm not sure how long ago he started the process but about 8 months ago they opened up.
They did a wonderful job with the store; it is like a mini Lowe's or Home Depot. They carry almost everything you fi
nd in a big store; they just don't have as many. For example my husband put in our sprinkler system several years ago and now maintains it. He has been able to get parts he needs for maintenance without having to make the long trek to the big stores.
As you can see from the pictures it is much more than just a hardware store. I love the fact that I can stop in for a quick gift. They have some wonderful decorator items. They also have some wonderful spices. They have 4 full shelves of spices, soups, jams, jellies, salsas etc. etc. We love John Henry's Grilling spices and sauces and yes they carry them. We had to drive 20 minutes to get them prior to Ace Hardware opening. So this is just one more reason we are glad they opened.
I have stopped in several times to have keys made. I have made them for my own house and also for listings. I have heard that they re-key but I don't know that for sure.
They have a paint department selling Benjamin Moore paint and I noticed that they sell small samples. I don't know about you but I have wasted so much money buying a gallon of paint only to find out that I don't like the color. These sample paint sizes are WONDERFUL.
I understand business has been good and I for one am thrilled as I love having the convenience of a hardware store just up the street.
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If you are buying or relocating to Spring Texas or The Woodlands TX and need help from a professional REALTOR®, Marchel can be reached at Marchel@AgentwithResults.com or by phone at 832-721-8332.
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Marchel
I really like smaller mom-pop type hardweare stores vs. the large lumberyard types.
Marchel, when I lived out at Bastrop we had an Ace Hardware, it was so handy for a pair of jeans or work gloves and even shots for the animals. It was our first choice of stores for many things, the quality they carried was unbeatable .. like our first winter here and the Carharddt jackets.
Marchel, I love a good hardware store, the smaller ones are more my speed. This one looks GREAT!
Hi Marchel, I would like this store in my neighborhood. One thing I don't like about the big stores like Lowe's is that you can't get in and out quickly. It's sometimes a hike to get to the department you need.
Marchel, Less parking lot to cross with a shopping cart is a good thing. Less frustration. Maybe even less door dings! Yay! Kate
Marchel,
A friend who lives in The Woodlands was just telling me about this place yesterday. Looks like a great place.
Marchel, Nice write up and pictures. This is a good chain, I go to my Ace Hardware pretty often to get what I need (and usually find a few things I didn't know I needed :)
Marchel, I love hardware stores. I like going into them even if I don't buy anything. This one sounds like a good one.
I've heard that you can walk into an Ace with a list of what you need, and that they'll gather everything up for you while you wait. I wonder if it's true or a myth.
Marchel--I love the convenience and service of the smaller independent hardware stores. How fortunate for you that they opened in your area!
Marchel: We have an ACE up here at Canyon Lake and it is the best thing next to cotton candy. You can find anything you want, you see the same folks everytime you go, neighborhood friendly and you can even find some unique gifts. It's great!
Hi Marchel,
I drive my an Ace Hardware every day on my way to work....I'll never take it for granted again. I really admire those folks for having the guts to open a franchise like that. Wish them luck for me!
Marchel, the retail follows rooftops principle applied for you here and FINALLY more conveniences have arrived for you... great announcement on Ace.
wonderful story - thank you for sharing your local flavor.
TREY, The customer service you get from an Ace compared to the big guys is like night and day. Day of course being ACE Hardware.
GAIL, This is my first time to be close to an Ace and we LOVE IT.
ANDREA, There's something about a little hardware store has that you just don't get with the big guys.
SHIRLEY, I so agree!! I can get in and out here in half the time of a big store.
KATE, For sure less door dings!!
RICHARD, Isn't that amazing that you just heard about this Ace from a friend yesterday. We are excited about our local Ace Hardware!!!
CAROLE, I never realized these were local franchises. It totally brings everything to the local level. I love it!!
GEORGE, I can spend lots of time browsing through this store. I can't get as excited about the big store.
DONNA, They are so helpful here that I expect they would gather your items if requested.
TERI, Not to mention how friendly everyone is compared to the big store.
CARL & CEIL, I'm not too crazy about cotton candy but I love sliced bread.
DANA, I did not realize it was a franchise either until I wrote this post.
GARY, I'M LOVING all these conveniences. Now when our daughter visits she doesn't like seeing us lose the country but after driving for 12 years I'm ready to give up some country.
JIM, Thanks for stopping by!
Great post. I hope this does good for both you and the store. Excellent job.
Since we lived in The Woodlands, TX many, many, many years ago, I enjoyed reading your post. Great story. It's nice not having to drive too far to get the necessities.
Marchel,
Ace is the place with the helpful hardware man...um, person...
Ann
Marchel I was wondering why you were so excited but as you explained it is all about convenience. There is an ACE nearby and it comes in handy when I need to make keys.
It is nice to see these type of stores surviving and thriving. Too many smaller stores/franchises have been eaten up by the mega discount stores.
Howdy there Marchel
I had an Uncle, back home that owned a ACE Hardware Store franchises. It was not as big as this one your writing about. But it was a fine store to go to.
I like Gary's phrase, retail follows rooftops! Having lived in so many small towns who were always trying to entice businesses to come to town, while trying to keep the population down to maintain the "small town" feel, never seemed to understand. Hubs being a school guy was always touting what a GREAT small town we lived in, to ENCOURAGE rooftops, so retail would follow! Nice post!
We have a three-story Ace Hardware over in Hillcrest. Since Hillcrest is our predominantly gay neighborhood, it's called the "Gay Ace."