“Ace is the place with the helpful hardware folks” is a jingle that has spanned generations of advertising and may be one of the more recognizable for most people. Incorporated in 1928 as Ace Stores, the business was started by four individual store owners with a unique business model. Each store owner retained their ownership, but they shared their bulk ordering of inventory as a way to save on costs and better compete with the big box hardware stores. Today, Ace is a retailer-owned cooperative where local owners can retain decision-making for their individual stores but leverage their bulk buying power to keep costs down. This business model allows the owners to better support their local communities and creates a true neighborhood hardware store.
Tucker has had their own Handy Ace Hardware for almost 50 years, through three different locations and true tragedy as well. The Smith family are the owners and have become supporters and leaders in the Tucker community throughout the years. The generosity they have given and received is the perfect illustration of the Tucker Way. When there are times of need the Smiths and Handy Ace often step in, and the Tucker community happily reciprocates; in response to recent family illness the Tucker community has sponsored blood drives and promoted platelet donations. It is the Tucker Way.
Originally located on Cowan Road, the neighborhood staple burned to the ground in 2012. In the true Tucker spirit, residents, restaurants and other local businesses stepped up to provide comfort, food and fundraisers for the employees and the Smith family. Handy Ace temporarily moved to the Staples Shopping Center and eventually bought and settled into Tucker Town Square, a shopping strip on Lawrenceville Highway.
Handy Ace has become more than just a neighborhood hardware store. By sponsoring local events, donating to raffles and auctions for the local schools, and hosting their own events for charity, the Handy Ace family has become an integral part of the social side of Tucker. They host DIY Ladies’ Night Out events, annual Georgia Cool Cruisers fundraisers like Toys for Tots and Cop Car Challenge and more.
But maybe, the best part of Handy Ace is walking in and seeing a neighbor. Whether it is running into a friend wandering the aisles or seeking help and realizing a neighbor works there, there is always a friendly face at Handy Ace.
Handy Ace Hardware is located at 3969 Lawrenceville Highway, Tucker, GA 30084. They are open Monday through Saturday, 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. and are closed on Sundays.
