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DOWAGIAC — A local business that has served the greater Dowagiac area for decades is now officially “the place with the helpful hardware folks.” 

Chamber of Commerce representatives and business owners gathered at Hale’s Hardware, 56216 M-51 S., to celebrate the business’ grand opening as Hale’s Family Ace Hardware with a ribbon tying ceremony. Instead of a traditional ribbon-cutting ceremony, Chamber Marketing and Event Coordinator and the chamber used a ribbon tying ceremony to signify the businesses and the community coming together as one.

Hale’s Hardware opened in Dowagiac in 1958 and has provided the greater Dowagiac community with a wide variety of products and services ever since. 

“I just appreciate all the community and the support over the years,” Randy said. “My brother and I, my dad and my late grandfather, we like. Serving in the community and hope we can continue on for another 67 years.”

“It’s been an incredible advantage to have everything at your fingertips,” said Mayor Don Lyons. “We have this in the community serving whatever you may need within minutes. It’s really what makes a small town. When I talk to people that have moved here from bigger cities, that’s the one thing they always remark on is that it is so convenient to have everything included. Thank you for being here.”

The store announced its partnership with Ace Hardware last year after True Value, a 75-year-old hardware store brand the business has been affiliated with for years, filed for bankruptcy in October and sold substantially all of its operations to rival company Do it Best. 

Since then, owners Randy and Ron Hale and their team have worked tirelessly to transform the building into an Ace space that provides many of the products and services customers know and love while also offering an assortment of new products and name brands.

“A lot more recognizable brands,” said Ace Hardware District Manager Joseph Drouillard. “Big Green Egg, Yeti, a lot more in Trigger and the grilling department and a bigger Milwaukee selection in the store. Ace really focuses on having the best brands available for smaller Hardware stores.”

“The staff that Ace brought in to work this transition service was amazing,” Ron said. “We’ve been through a few over the years, and by far, this was the biggest one but also the smoothest and easiest one.”

For Randy and Ron, the transition is the continuation of Hale’s emphasis on providing quality service to customers and the community.

“It’s so nice to see a lot of familiar faces and the new new faces in the community all the time, Randy said. “It’s a pleasure.”

“It’s nice to see your usual customers come in week-in and week-out but it’s also nice to see new people shopping there too as well,” Ron added. “That’s what we’re really excited about.”