As we discussed when the Craftsman-Ace partnership was first announced, Craftsman tools were expected to be stocked by Ace Hardware locations ahead of Father’s Day. Reader Eric sent us a note that he heard a radio advertisement which mentioned Craftsman tools carried by Ace. We have also seen some heavy Craftsman promotion by Ace, especially on their website’s front page.
Now the only question that remains is what will happen next week after Father’s Day? Will Ace stores drop their promotional displays, or will their Craftsman selection and availability increase?
Thanks Eric for the heads-up!
I can chime in that I’ve seen a small selection of craftsman tools at my local Ace for the last 3 weeks or so.
I was surprised my local ACE was carrying Craftsman, when I first read about this program launching I thought it was going to be a few ACE stores. Figured mine wouldn’t be included becuase we have KMart, Sears, plus OSH all in the same area not to mention one more OSH opening soon about a mile from ACE. The one thing I did notice was ACE advertised price was a bit more on a couple of items then the same items in the OSH ad.
When the program launched, it was in fact limited to 100 stores nationwide, but there were plans to make select Craftsman tools available at all locations ahead of Father’s Day.
I wonder how well the promo has been going. I suppose we’ll eventually find out based on what happens between now and the winter holiday shopping season.
I haven’t checked my local ACE, but I have been hearing the radio ads (west Texas).
However, I also hear ads for Advance Auto but we don’t even have them here.