DISTRIBUTORS/CO-OPS

Highlights from the Ace Fall Convention & Exhibits
The Ace Fall Convention & Exhibits, held Aug. 20-22, included a number of highlights: a motivational general session, the 2015 All Star Retailer award winner Dan Olson of Olson's Ace Hardware and plenty of innovative products.
Do it Best Corp Market preview, a Q&A
Do it Best's executive team weighed in on some pre-market story lines heading into the co-op's May Market in Indianapolis, including a major anniversary, buy-one-get-ones and e-commerce initiatives.

The market kicks off Friday with merchandising updates and a deep-discount Sneak Peek sales event at the Indiana Convention Center. The event runs through Monday.

Here is the interview, conducted via email, with the co-op's Rich Lynch, VP marketing and Steve Markley, VP merchandise.

HBSDealer Q&A: Guardian of the New Business Model

It was a pivotal decision in the long history of Guardian Building Products, but it paved the way for what new President and COO Jim Becker describes as a focused and committed company.
Sullivan Hardware & Garden is expanding

Indianapolis hardware icon Sullivan Hardware & Garden plans a dramatic expansion of its flagship location.
ABC finalizes deal with L&W Supply

After announcing the transaction in late August, ABC Supply Co. has finalized its purchase of L&W Supply from USG Corporation.

L&W Supply was formerly USG's building product distribution business and is a specialty distributor of drywall, ceiling tile, steel framing and other building materials used by commercial and residential contractors.
Stanley Black & Decker to buy Craftsman

Sears Holdings plans to sell its Craftsman brand to tool giant Stanley Black & Decker for $550 million cash up front, $250 million at the end of year three, plus various annual payments.

Hoffman Estates, Illinois-based Sears said the move is part of an effort to stabilize its operating performance. The struggling retailer also intends to close an additional 150 non-profitable stores – 109 of them under the Kmart banner.

[Click here for the list of upcoming store closures.]
Professional Handling & Distribution gets acquired

Belvidere, Illinois-based Professional Handling and Distribution, Inc. has been acquired by a subsidiary of Gypsum Management Supply, Inc.

The acquisition of PHD expands the footprint of GMS in Chicago and adds a multi-location operation to its portfolio. PHD is a provider of drywall and related products, delivering and servicing well-known product brands to drywall subcontractors, homebuilders and general contractors.

Kevin O’Connor will continue to oversee the PHD operations.
Q&A with the CEO
True Value recognizes Cleaver Farm & Home

Chanute, Kan.-based Cleaver Farm & Home was recognized by Chicago-based True Value Co. as one of 13 “Best Hardware Store in Town” honorees.

Accepting the award at a True Value hosted ceremony were Chris and Jason Cleaver.

The retailer converted to the co-op’s Destination True Value format in spring 2013, and the owners see continued community support along with opportunities for growth.

The farm-and-ranch segment has been an area of focus for the wholesaler, which describes the segment as its fastest growing.
Q&A: Orgill's Brett Hammers on staying the course

New Orleans -- As far as dealer markets go, Orgill's approach is different than other wholesale distributors in the industry. At the very least, there's no official general session where the executives get on stage to deliver carefully prepared statements about the company’s new initiatives.