Westlake Hardware News

Westlake Ace Hardware Teams with SoundBite Communications to Deliver Innovative Weather The Storm Program

Customers Benefit from Timely, Location-Based Inclement Weather Notifications to their Mobile Devices

BEDFORD, Mass., January 25, 2012 ─ SoundBite Communications Inc. (Nasdaq: SDBT), a leading global provider of mobile marketing solutions today announced it has deployed a new mobile campaign with Westlake Ace Hardware, the largest member of the Ace Hardware Cooperative. Westlake is leveraging SoundBite’s multi-channel communications platform and mobile marketing expertise for their Weather the Storm mobile campaign.

Winter Weather Preparedness

Westlake Ace Hardware's Experts Equip You to Get Through Winter

LENEXA, Kansas., January 12, 2012 — Snow may be pretty, but winter’s variety of frozen and slushy precipitation can lead to a lot of work and problems around the house.

But if you keep the right tools on hand, winter does not have to be cause for stress or worry. With the proper preparation, you can get through the snow and ice without too much strenuous work, and prevent any damage to your home.

Get a jump on winter with the preparedness tools and tips below.

Colder Weather Increases Risk of Uninvited Guests in Your Home

TULSA, Okla., January 3, 2012 — Whether it’s bats in the belfry or nuisance raccoons, Ned Bruha is a man of all seasons when it comes to evicting uninvited and destructive wildlife from homes and businesses throughout Oklahoma and surrounding states. Winter is an especially demanding time of year for the Vice President of The Skunk Whisperer®, Inc., which is featured on the reality television series that airs on Animal Planet.

“When it starts turning cold, animals want to move back into attics and under crawl spaces,” according to Bruha. “The biggest ‘move in’ of uninvited guests that we have this time of year is squirrels, raccoons and skunks. Mother Nature has been generous with the warm weather this year, so our second busiest season is just getting started.”

The Art of Winter Grilling

LENEXA, KS, Dec. 7, 2011 — With 90 percent of people across the nation attending at least one barbecue every year, grilling is an American tradition. For some, it’s a way to a good meal. But for others, it’s much more—it’s a hobby, a passion, a way of life.

Westlake Ace Hardware's grill master Scott Drawbaugh places himself in the latter group.

“There’s nothing like grilling. I’m always experimenting with new methods and tools,” Drawbaugh said.

For enthusiasts like Drawbaugh, grilling is an art. It takes time and practice. Once you master the basics, there is endless room for experimentation with different techniques and recipes. And like any artist, a grilling enthusiast needs to be equipped with the right tools.

George Smith, CEO Interview

George Smith, CEO of Westlake Ace Hardware, is interviewed by Thinking Bigger Business Media Inc.  Smith shares insights for building a strong customer-service focus in light of changing consumer lifestyles by providing answers and "how to" information to customers, and by implementing a customer insights program to gain ongoing feedback from shoppers. Westlake Hardware was recently named Retailer of the Year by Home Channel News, the leading hardware and home improvement industry trade publication. LISTEN

Westlake Ace Hardware named ‘Retailer of the Year’

Lenexa, Kan.-based Westlake Ace Hardware, one of the country's leading independent hardware retailers and a company reaping the benefits of a top-to-bottom reevaluation , has been named "2011 Retailer of the Year" by Home Channel News.

The company will accept the award May 11 at the Golden Hammer Awards breakfast event in Las Vegas, held in conjunction with the National Hardware Show.

Consumer Lifestyle Changes Prompt Growth Strategy Shift for Westlake

Hardware Leader Wins National Retailer of the Year Award

When the U.S. economy began to slide into recession in 2008, Westlake Ace Hardware, like all retailers, faced challenges.  Westlake’s fortunes, like those of its larger home center competition, have traditionally been linked to the housing industry, so this economic downturn was especially daunting.  At the time it was not understood how long or deep the recession would be, but Westlake management did understand this recession was going to do more than impact consumer spending in the short term.  Westlake detected subtle yet important shifts in consumer attitudes and behaviors.  Their customers spoke about spending more time with family, staying closer to home and reconnecting with friends, neighbors and the local community.