ACE Hardware

AI Audience Insights

Ace has been named a Top Workplace in Chicago & we're looking for the best people to help us fulfill our vision of being the best, most helpful hardware stores on the planet. We're focused on the future, looking for new & better ways to compete in today's marketplace. At Ace, we like to say that we have a soft heart, a steel spine - & we like to win. People are the foundation of what makes Ace great, & we're always looking for ways to improve the employment experience for Ace team members. What we can promise you is that you will gain a sense of accountability & ownership by working hard to build Ace's continued success, & your own. You'll enjoy a competitive, fast-paced and friendly work environment. And, you'll take pride in serving our Ace retail stores & their customers in neighborhoods across the country and around the world. For more than 90 years, Ace Hardware has been known as the place with the helpful hardware folks in thousands of neighborhoods across America, providing customers with a more personal kind of helpful. In 2017, Ace ranked 'Highest in Customer Satisfaction with Home Improvement Retail Stores, Eleven Years in a Row,' according to J. D. Power. With more than 5,000 hardware stores locally owned and operated across the globe, Ace is the largest retailer-owned hardware cooperative in the world. Headquartered in Oak Brook, Ill., Ace and its subsidiaries operate an expansive network of distribution centers in the U. S. and also have distribution capabilities in Ningbo, China; Colon, Panama; and Dubai, United Arab Emirates. Its retailers' stores are located in all 50 states, the District of Columbia and approximately 55 countries. For more information on Ace, visit acehardware.com or the company newsroom at newsroom.acehardware.com.

Executive Summary

Ace Hardware Audience Insights & Strategic Update

Overview

Welcome to the Ace Hardware Audience Insights & Strategic Update report, where we hammer out the latest trends and strategies that keep this iconic hardware store chain nailing it in the market. This comprehensive report is packed with actionable insights and demographic details, providing a thorough understanding of the audience dynamics and market strategies that make Ace Hardware the go-to destination for DIY enthusiasts and professional contractors alike.

Actionable Insights

Mobile Services and Influencers:
- Irving Oil: Leading in mobile convenience gas stations with a weighted index of 1,526, showing a preference for reliable fuel options.
- Stewart's Shops: Dominating in mobile convenience stores with a score of 1,000, reflecting a need for accessible everyday essentials.
- Agway: Top in mobile retail agriculture with a score of 670, indicating a strong market for farming and gardening products.
- My Hearing Centers: Leading in mobile hearing care services with a score of 584, catering to health-conscious consumers.
- Orscheln Farm & Home: Dominating in mobile retail agriculture with a score of 582, appealing to rural and semi-rural customers.
- Medicap Pharmacy: Top in mobile retail drug stores with a score of 524, highlighting the importance of health and wellness products.
- Gander Outdoors: Leading in mobile retail sports and recreation with a score of 510, attracting outdoor enthusiasts.
- Center for Diagnostic Imaging (CDI): Dominating in mobile health services with a score of 498, catering to medical needs.
- Twin Liquors Fine Wine and Spirits: Top in mobile retail alcohol stores with a score of 490, appealing to wine and spirits aficionados.
- BIGGBY COFFEE: Leading in mobile restaurant coffee and tea with a score of 446, showing a preference for specialty coffee.

Top Segments

#WideOpenSpaces: Indexed at 342, making up 3.23% of customers. This segment enjoys vast, open areas and rural living.
#RuralRetirement: Indexed at 306, making up 2.49% of customers. Represents retirees who prefer rural lifestyles.
#ScenicSeniors: Indexed at 297, making up 1.69% of customers. Seniors who appreciate picturesque living environments.
#DestinationRetirees: Indexed at 226, making up 0.66% of customers. Retirees who enjoy traveling and exploring new places.
#NativeRoots: Indexed at 203, making up 0.17% of customers. This segment reflects a deep connection to cultural heritage.

Demographic Breakdown

Age Groups: Ace Hardware’s customer base spans various age groups, with significant representation in the 50-64 range, showing strong appeal among older adults and seniors who value DIY projects and home improvement.
Income Levels: Ace Hardware attracts a diverse income range, with notable segments earning between $75,000 to $124,999. This reflects the brand's broad appeal to middle and upper-middle-income earners seeking quality hardware products.
Home Value: Customers typically reside in homes valued between $150,000 to $499,999, reflecting a solid middle-class and upper-middle-class demographic. There is also representation in higher-value homes, indicating broad appeal across different economic segments.
Family Structure: The audience includes a mix of family structures, with married couples with and without children, as well as singles. This indicates that Ace Hardware is a popular choice for both family-oriented and individual customers.
Education Levels: Ace Hardware’s customers are well-educated, with many holding high school diplomas and some college education. This aligns with the brand's focus on informed consumers who appreciate quality and service.
Home Ownership: The data shows a balanced mix between renters and homeowners, indicating a stable and investment-oriented audience.
Commute Preferences: Most Ace Hardware customers prefer commuting by car, but there's also a notable number who use public transportation, reflecting a modern and flexible lifestyle.
Urbanicity: Ace Hardware’s appeal extends strongly in suburban and rural areas, showcasing its broad appeal across different living environments.
Occupations: Ace Hardware attracts a diverse professional crowd, including business and finance professionals, blue-collar workers, and those in the arts and entertainment sectors. This wide occupational spread underscores the brand’s versatility and universal charm.

Strategic Insights

Audience Autopilot™: Our innovative tool providing strategic updates, ensuring Ace Hardware stays ahead in the competitive home improvement market. It’s like having a personal advisor for your business strategy.

This report is your all-access pass to understanding Ace Hardware's audience dynamics. Dive in, analyze, and let these insights guide your next strategic move. After all, in the world of hardware and home improvement, staying ahead of the trend is the key to building success!

About Audience Autopilot™ Insights