photo by Caroline Angelo
From a press release:
“The Cool Hardware Company is expanding its footprint with two new Ace Hardware locations opening in Rockville, MD and Washington, DC’s Union Market neighborhood.
Set to open in late 2025 and late 2026 respectively, Rockville Ace Hardware and Union Market Ace Hardware will join the Cool Hardware Company’s network of employee-owned Ace Hardware stores throughout the DC, Baltimore, and Northern Virginia metro areas.
These new stores will bring the company’s signature mix of a more personal kind of helpful, top brands like Craftsman, Weber, Traeger, and Benjamin Moore, assortments of live goods, locally made products and a deep commitment to community engagement. Customers can expect knowledgeable, friendly service and expert advice in departments such as paint, lawn and garden, and grilling.
Rockville Ace Hardware will be located at 835 Rockville Pike in Wintergreen Plaza, just one mile from the Rockville Metro station. The 11,000-square-foot store will be neighbors with Food Lion and several popular dining spots. It is scheduled to open in late 2025.
Following in late 2026, Union Market Ace Hardware will open at 1234 3rd St. NE within the Central Armature Works development. Occupying two levels and totaling over 9,150 square feet, this location is just steps from the NoMa–Gallaudet Metro station, providing easy access to residents and businesses in one of D.C.’s fastest-growing neighborhoods.
Both stores will reflect the Cool Hardware Company’s commitment to being “The Helpful Place” by delivering expert advice, locally relevant product assortments, and a welcoming neighborhood experience. Customers can expect top brands like Craftsman, Weber, Traeger, and Benjamin Moore, alongside live goods, locally sourced products, and friendly, knowledgeable team members ready to help with projects of all sizes.
“Service is our promise to customers, and that’s what sets us apart,” said Craig Smith, CEO of the Cool Hardware Company. “We believe in operating stores that are not only convenient, but also deeply connected to the communities we serve.”
These will mark the 14th and 15th locations for the Cool Hardware Company led by CEO Craig Smith and founded by Gina Schaefer and Marc Friedman in 2003. In 2021, the company began operating as an Employee Stock Ownership Plan (ESOP), which allows team members to earn shares of company stock and build long-term wealth as the business grows.”