News Summary
W.E. Aubuchon Co., a Massachusetts-based hardware store chain, is set to expand into Rhode Island by acquiring Wyoming Ace Hardware. This strategic move allows Aubuchon to relocate and rebrand the existing store in Richmond, enhancing its presence in New England and creating job opportunities. The transition follows the retirement of Wyoming Ace owners, Rick and Linda Osborne, who have served the community for over two decades. Aubuchon now operates 131 locations across 11 states, emphasizing its commitment to quality service and community involvement.
Rhode Island – W.E. Aubuchon Co., a hardware store firm based in Westminster, Massachusetts, is making a significant expansion into the Rhode Island market through the acquisition of Wyoming Ace Hardware located in the village of Wyoming. This acquisition, announced recently in a press release, positions Aubuchon to strengthen its presence by relocating the Wyoming Ace Hardware to a site previously occupied by a Walgreens pharmacy in Richmond, Rhode Island.
After the acquisition is finalized, Aubuchon will operate a total of 131 locations across 11 states, marking a milestone as it becomes the only hardware retailer with stores in every state within New England. The decision to relocate and rebrand the existing Wyoming Ace Hardware aligns with Aubuchon’s strategy to enhance its brand presence in the region.
The acquisition comes at a time when the owners of Wyoming Ace Hardware, Rick and Linda Osborne, have chosen to retire after more than two decades of service in the community. The store, which originally opened its doors in 2003, has been a staple in the area. Following the transition, the store will be rebranded as Aubuchon Ace Hardware, maintaining its commitment to providing quality hardware and customer service to local residents.
William Aubuchon IV, president and CEO of Aubuchon, expressed gratitude towards the Osbornes for their longstanding commitment to the community over the last 22 years, indicating that the company values the importance of community involvement and service.
The newly acquired location in Richmond is situated approximately a 40-minute drive from Providence, making it accessible for residents in southern Rhode Island. This strategic move not only increases Aubuchon’s footprint in the region but also provides an opportunity for continued job creation and community engagement. Currently, Aubuchon employs around 1,500 local workers across its stores.
The Aubuchon Company has a rich legacy, having been founded in 1908 by William Aubuchon Sr. It is recognized as the oldest family-owned hardware chain in the United States and holds the title of the largest family-owned company in Central Massachusetts. The company’s long-standing history in the hardware sector emphasizes its commitment to quality, community, and customer satisfaction.
Aubuchon’s existing locations in Central Massachusetts include several towns and cities such as Ayer, Clinton, Franklin, Fitchburg, Gardner, Littleton, Lunenburg, Southbridge, Stow, Sudbury, and Webster. With the upcoming changes in Rhode Island, Aubuchon looks to build on its existing reputation while serving the local community effectively.
Overall, the acquisition of Wyoming Ace Hardware illustrates Aubuchon’s strategic growth initiatives and its desire to expand into new markets. With its historical presence and future aspirations, Aubuchon is poised to continue its tradition of quality service in the hardware industry and maintain its standing as a significant player in the New England region.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
- Worcester Business Journal: Aubuchon Hardware Expansion
- Wikipedia: Rhode Island
- Hardware Retailing: Aubuchon Company Expands
- Google Search: Aubuchon Hardware acquisition Rhode Island
- HBS Dealer: Aubuchon Scores RI Acquisition
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Hardware Store
- Providence Journal: RI High School Baseball Scores
- Google News: Aubuchon Hardware
Author: STAFF HERE PROVIDENCE WRITER
PROVIDENCE STAFF WRITER The PROVIDENCE STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREProvidence.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Providence, Providence County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as WaterFire, Rhode Island International Film Festival, and Rhode Island Comic Con. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Greater Providence Chamber of Commerce and Providence Warwick Convention & Visitors Bureau, plus leading businesses in finance and manufacturing that power the local economy such as Citizens Financial Group and Textron. As part of the broader HERE network, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Rhode Island's dynamic landscape.
