ACE Hardware opened a new store in our town about a month ago, and we’ve popped in a few times to check out the selection and pick up items that we needed. On Friday morning, we stopped by to pick up some supplies for a repair that needs to be done. When we walked in, we found out that it was the store’s official “Grand Opening” party, and they were offering special events all weekend. We decided to space out the purchases that we needed and come back each day to take advantage of the good deals and promotions. Here’s a recap:

Friday: Bought a box of drywall screws which we needed for a repair for $5. The first 200 customers also received a free 5 gallon bucket in addition to free cake and coffee. There were also a selection of fun in-store sweepstakes which we entered.

Saturday: According to the store flier, the first 100 customers to come in on Saturday would receive a free tool bag, so we went in right as the store opened and got the tool bag, bought some masks which were also on our list, and received a few other fun freebies: A measuring tape, keychain, and pen. We also enjoyed free donuts and coffee. Later in the day, we returned to store because they were selling a hot dog & soda for .50 cents to benefit a local high school’s choir program. So we ate both our breakfast and lunch at the hardware store! 😉

Sunday: We returned this morning to pick up the final freebie, a free utility knife for the first 175 customers. (This is a very nice knife!) Once again, we had complimentary coffee and donuts for breakfast. We also bought a wire brush that we needed, and as we stood in line, one of the employees came up and handed me a mystery goodie bag and said, “This is to thank you because you guys come in to our store regularly.” It was a bandana that contained a bunch of goodies: Push pins, a measuring tape, screws, a mini-screwdriver, contractor’s pencil, and a keychain. Was that nice of them, or what?

Since we do so many DIY repairs and renovations, this was a productive and fun use of time – all of these freebies are things that we need and will use. It was smart thinking on ACE’s part to have such an elaborate grand opening – not only does it draw in customers, but it generates a lot of goodwill, and news travels fast in our small town! The store was packed full of customers making purchases this weekend, so I think this grand opening was a success for both the store and the customers.