Rocky’s Ace Hardware, a 100-year-old family-owned chain based in Springfield, Mass., will add to its Maine footprint with the purchase of Kenebunk Ace Hardware in York County.
Rocky's Ace Hardware, a 100-year-old family-owned chain based in Springfield, Mass., will add to its Maine footprint with the purchase of Kennebunk Ace Hardware in York County.
The store, located at 45 Portland Road, will become the 52nd location for Rocky's, which also owns a store in Bath.
Kennebunk Ace Hardware has long been owned and operated by the Oddy family, including the late John Oddy III, who died in October. His widow, Diane Oddy, continues to work at the store alongside family members Sean Oddy, Michelle Oddy and Kaitlyn Silke.
“This is a truly special moment for Rocky’s,” said Rocco Falcone, president of Rocky’s Ace Hardware. “Kennebunk Ace Hardware represents everything we value: a family foundation, deep community roots and a commitment to helping neighbors. We are excited to continue the Oddy family’s legacy and to be a dependable and charitable resource for the greater Kennebunk area.”
'Growth mode'
Rocky's Ace Hardware, founded in 1926, operates in five New England states, as well as Pennsylvania, New Jersey, Florida and Ohio.
In Kennebunk, the company plans to "staff up" to 10 to 15 employees, with a couple of existing employees staying on after the acquisition, according to Brian Bowler, director of marketing at Rocky's Ace Hardware. He said the workforce number is similar in Bath.
He also signaled that the company is open to other opportunities in the region and beyond.
"We're always on the lookout for other locations," he said in a Tuesday phone interview. "We are in growth mode and looking to expand our footprint in New England and other states."
