Content about John Surane

January 3, 2013
Ace adds instant savings to rewards

Oak Brook, Ill.-based Ace Hardware launched Instant Savings, a program for Ace Rewards members that allows them to receive instant discounts at the register. 

August 16, 2012
Ace paints a picture of improvement

Chicago -- Ace Hardware supplied several growth-minded statistics to members during the co-op’s Fall Market general session, which was heavy on strategy initiatives and inspirational messages for store owners.

The paint department figured heavily in the Thursday morning presentation. So did payment systems, logistics and -- as one would expect -- the concept of customer service as delivered by a friendly store. 

March 2, 2012
For Ace, retail is increasingly local

Even before Ace Hardware Corp. reported high single-digit sales increases for the quarter and the year — and even during a lingering housing downturn — CEO Ray Griffith told dealers that he liked the position in which Ace finds itself.

“Ongoing uncertainly keeps consumers cautious about spending, but many of you are doing well,” he told the members gathered in Denver for the co-op’s market last year.

October 19, 2011
Ace Hardware clarifies deal with Sears Brands

Speaking to Ace Hardware dealers at the co-op's 2011 Fall Convention & Exhibits in Denver, Ace's John Surane clarified Ace's agreement with Sears regarding Craftsman and exclusivity.

"Our agreement gives Ace the exclusive rights to sell the craftsman brand in the convenience hardware channel until the year 2015," Surane told dealers during the General Session in Denver. He added the deal does not prohibit Sears, which owns the Craftsman brand, from selling to big-box retailers or the mass merchants. 

May 2, 2011
In Chicago, a parade of programs

Chicago — Ace Hardware Corp. had some positive news to tell its members during the co-op’s Spring Convention general session. Sales were on the increase — particularly fourth-quarter sales. POS data was beginning to help retailers benchmark their performance, and a new Craftsman program was expanding that brand to smaller-format stores. 


But then there was that other thing — the company’s supply chain transition.


April 2, 2011
Once more with feeling: Ace promotes Craftsman

Chicago -- With a view toward driving profitable sales, Ace VP merchandising John Surane pointed to some merchandise initiatives, regional wins and corporate strategies during the co-op's 2011 Ace Convention and Exhibits.

One of the brightest merchandising spots was the Craftsman tools brand. Back in February 2010, Ace and Sears announced a partnership that opened the way for Ace retailers to sell the Sears-owned Craftsman brand. 

October 28, 2010
Dealing with pain, looking for growth

Orlando, Fla. -- Ace Hardware pointed to record attendance, international growth and an overhaul of...

September 10, 2010
Ace bolsters loyalty program with Visa

Oak Brook, Ill.-based Ace Hardware Corp. is bringing its 19-million strong Ace Rewards customer loyalty program to a new level, with the help of Visa.

The new Ace Rewards Visa has been launched nationwide -- marking the first time for a hardware co-op to pair up with one of the big payment networks with a rewards card. Issued by U.S. Bank, the Visa card is available in a consumer version, plus a version designed for small business owners.

September 9, 2010
Ace bolsters loyalty program with Visa

Through a credit card issued by U.S. Bank, Ace Hardware Corp. is upgrading its Ace...

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