Lynden Ace Hardware owner acquires True Value store to retain 11 workers

Brandon York, owner of Lynden Ace Hardware, bought the Lynden True Value store in April to keep its 11 employees on staff. The purchase reversed a plan announced by CHS northwest in late January to sell the store and lay off its workforce. The transaction took place in the Fairway Shopping Center, where the two hardware stores operate.

York stated that retaining the existing team was a primary factor in his decision to buy the property. He noted that he has known several of the 11 workers for years. "We kept all 11 who were working at the time and have also hired the manager’s son," York said. The new hire brings the total staff count for the acquired location to 12.

The owner intends to rebrand the True Value store as a second Lynden Ace Hardware location. He plans to update the exterior signs as soon as possible, though he has not set an official date for the change. York said his team must finish the design and complete the permitting process before the signage can go up.

York outlined specific roles for the two stores to serve different customer bases. He said the current Ace Hardware store at 1736 Front St. will focus on products for contractors. The former True Value store at 119 17th St. will target do-it-yourself homeowners and expand into product categories that did not fit in the first location.

The decision to align both stores under the Ace Hardware brand required weighing relationships with corporate partners. York said the choice was challenging because both True Value and Ace have strong corporate teams. He concluded that continuing the positive relationship with Ace would allow the businesses to better serve the community and offer more of what customers are looking for.

The transition between the two company structures has required adjustments for York and his staff. He described the process as a learning experience with many details to work through. He said the team at both locations has been supportive during the changes.

York said he does not have a specific timeline for when the rebranding will be complete. He noted that the community has been supportive of both locations. He said the goal is to meet the needs of customers who prefer the True Value brand and those who shop for contractor supplies.