ACE Hardware Marks Grand Opening
Despite gusty winds and steady rain, Olney residents turned out in force to celebrate the official grand opening of the town’s new ACE Hardware store this past weekend.
The new store, owned by Kris and Rand Camp and Rand’s brother Jeff Camp and his wife, Holly, officially opened its doors with a soft launch in February. This weekend’s festivities marked its formal debut with a ribbon-cutting ceremony, a bucket sale, prize giveaways, and treats for shoppers.
Located conveniently in town, the ACE Hardware store offers Olney and surrounding communities a consumer- focused hardware shopping experience. It complements the existing Olney Hardware, which primarily serves the oilfield industry.
Olney Chamber of Commerce President Jonathan Rogers joined Kris, Rand, Jeff and Holly and their families in cutting the ceremonial ribbon on Saturday afternoon. Shoppers enjoyed fresh popcorn, an elaborately decorated cake from Whisk Bakery in Graham, cookies from The Cookie Cabinet in Graham, and a bucket promotion — anything they could fit into a free plastic ACE bucket, excluding power tools, was discounted 20 percent off the regular price.
“It’s been very good,” Kris Camp said of the store’s first two months. “Everybody’s been really happy and excited for us. We’ve had lots of support.”
The store features a full range of hardware essentials, including plumbing and electrical supplies, paint, lawn equipment, and outdoor tools. Popular items so far include Stihl-brand chainsaws and weed trimmers, paint supplies, soil, mulch, and barbecue grills — just in time for spring. Shoppers also have the option to order online and have items shipped free to the store for pickup.
The ACE Hardware Rewards Program has also been a hit. Customers can earn points toward discounts and receive exclusive coupons, and those who download the ACE app receive an instant $10 coupon.
Even the rainy weather didn’t dampen the community’s enthusiasm. A barbecue fundraiser originally planned to benefit American Legion Post 414 was rescheduled for April 12 due to the weather. Still, Post Commander Chris Garcia and his wife Heather were on hand with their “PhotoBomb” booth to capture the festivities.
A live woodcarving demonstration outside the store drew attention as well. The carving will be raffled off next weekend as part of the rescheduled American Legion fundraiser. Tickets are available at ACE.
Among the grand opening’s standout successes was a special promotion offering NOAA weather radios in partnership with local TV station Channel 3. The radios were sold for $35, including batteries, and the store quickly sold out of the initial 90 units, with more arriving next week.
“We had people lined up waiting,” Mrs. Camp said. “It was crazy — but a lot of fun.”
The grand opening celebration also included daily prize drawings. On Saturday, a lucky attendee won a Weber grill, and on Sunday, the store gave away a Blackstone griddle.
Kris Camp said the support from Olney and neighboring towns like Newcastle, Loving, Megargel, and Seymour has been overwhelming. “All the surrounding areas have been real supportive in coming in,” she said.
In addition to welcoming area contractors with lumber, rebar, and concrete mix, the store recently expanded into plants and gardening supplies. Fresh vegetables and strawberries arrived just in time for planting season.
The store is fully staffed with what Mrs. Camp described as a “fantastic” team, including several local residents.
“It’s just been fun seeing everyone come in and realize all the things we have to offer,” she said.