Strategy April 24, 2024
Ace Hardware Celebrates Its Centennial With Vintage-Themed Merch
To ring in the anniversary of its 1924 founding, the largest retailer cooperative for hardware worldwide is releasing a collection of shirts and hats featuring logos from its hundred-year history.
Happy birthday, Ace Hardware!
The Chicago-based retailer is ringing in its 100th anniversary with merchandise that transports wearers back in time. The line of hats and shirts features vintage logos that trace back to Ace Hardware’s start in 1924.
Ace Hardware has created a line of Vintage Threads merch to celebrate its 100-year history.
Partnering with fellow Chicago company American Needle, Ace Hardware released its Vintage Threads line of organic cotton shirts, baseball caps and knit hats in April. The retailer announced in a press release that it will also offer additional commemorative items.
“Vintage Threads is a tribute to the dedication of the families who operate more than 5,000 locally owned Ace stores that serve communities across the United States,” said Chief Marketing Officer Kim Lefko. “With Ace hitting our 100-year milestone in 2024, it seemed like the perfect time to look back at the long history of Ace and offer a collection of apparel that encapsulates its heritage.”
One logo commemorates Ace’s namesake, the Flying Aces of World War I, with a vintage propellor plane. Another showcases the company’s logo from 1968 to 1973, which has block-style, red and black lettering.
Ace commemorated its namesake, the Flying Aces of World War I, with a tee featuring a vintage propellor plane.
Ace Hardware was founded by five Chicago hardware sellers looking to switch gears with a cooperative. The company soon developed a stronghold as bulk purchasing allowed its small stores to compete with larger retailers. This small scale has continued today despite Ace Hardware’s growth to over 5,000 stores nationwide, as stores are independently owned and operated.
With numerous designs reminiscent of the company’s unique makeup of independent storeowners, the Vintage Threads collection will be available for sale online and in Ace Hardware stores. In addition, apparel retailers including Urban Outfitters, Lids, Tilly’s, Fanatics and Nordstrom will carry the line.
The collection will also be sold at official Ace Hardware BBQ parties, including the 100th Anniversary Block Party on June 29.