Aubuchon Hardware

Overview: Aubuchon Hardware, now operating as Aubuchon Ace Hardware, is a prominent regional hardware retailer headquartered in Westminster, Massachusetts. Founded in 1908, it is recognized as the oldest family-owned and operated hardware store chain in the United States. The company has built a reputation for serving small towns and suburban communities across the Northeast with a focus on personalized service and community engagement.

Products: Aubuchon Hardware offers a comprehensive selection of hardware, paint, lawn and garden supplies, tools, plumbing, electrical, and seasonal products. The stores also feature brands such as Benjamin Moore, Scotts, Weber, and Stihl. Many locations provide key cutting, screen repair, propane exchange, and tool rental services, catering to both DIY customers and local contractors.

Market Position: Aubuchon Hardware operates over 100 stores across New England and upstate New York, making it one of the largest independent hardware chains in the region. The company has maintained its market position by focusing on smaller markets often underserved by national chains, and by leveraging its local roots and customer loyalty. In 2023, Aubuchon Hardware began rebranding select locations as Aubuchon Ace Hardware, reflecting a strategic partnership with Ace Hardware to enhance buying power and product selection while retaining local ownership and management.

Growth: The company has demonstrated steady growth through both new store openings and acquisitions of independent hardware stores. Recent years have seen a focus on modernizing store formats, expanding e-commerce capabilities, and investing in store remodels. The rebranding to Aubuchon Ace Hardware in 2024-2025 signals continued expansion and adaptation to changing retail trends. The company remains family-owned, with the fourth generation of the Aubuchon family actively involved in leadership.

Real Estate: Aubuchon Hardware typically seeks freestanding or end-cap locations in neighborhood shopping centers, with a preferred store size of 8,000 to 12,000 square feet. The company targets communities with populations of 10,000 or more and prefers sites with strong visibility, ample parking, and easy access. Real estate decisions are managed by an in-house team, and the company is actively seeking new locations in the Northeast and upstate New York. The company’s real estate requirements emphasize flexibility in site selection and a willingness to consider both ground-up development and conversions of existing retail spaces.