About Katz ACE Hardware

In 1920, as America emerged from the shadow of World War I and entered the prosperous "Roaring Twenties," the Katz family opened a modest hardware shop on Main Street in Glastonbury, Connecticut. At a time when Glastonbury was a small farming community of just over 4,000 residents, the Katz family recognized the need for a reliable source of tools, hardware, and supplies for local farmers, tradespeople, and homeowners.

The original store was a simple operation—wooden floors, hand-lettered signs, and merchandise displayed in wooden bins. Nails were sold by the pound, measured on a brass scale. Rope was cut to length. Paint was mixed by hand. But what set Katz Hardware apart from the very beginning was the family's commitment to knowing every customer by name and providing honest, helpful advice.

The stock market crash of 1929 and the Great Depression that followed tested businesses across America, and Glastonbury was no exception. Many local businesses closed their doors during these difficult years, but Katz Hardware persevered. The family made the difficult decision to extend credit to neighbors who were struggling, keeping careful records in handwritten ledgers and trusting that their community would repay them when times improved—and they did.

During the Depression, the store adapted by focusing on essential repair supplies and affordable tools that helped families maintain their homes and farms during hard times. The philosophy was simple: help your neighbors through difficult times, and they'll remain loyal customers for life. This approach cemented Katz Hardware's reputation as a business that truly cared about its community.

When World War II called America's young men to service, members of the Katz family answered the call alongside their Glastonbury neighbors. Those who remained home kept the store running and supported the war effort in every way possible. Katz Hardware became a collection point for scrap metal drives, helped residents maintain their Victory Gardens by providing seeds and gardening supplies, and assisted families in making do with rationed materials.

After the war ended in 1945, returning veterans found a changed America—and a changed Glastonbury. The post-war housing boom brought new families to town, and Katz Hardware was there to help them build, repair, and improve their homes. The GI Bill enabled many veterans to purchase homes, and the store expanded its inventory to meet the growing demand for building materials and home improvement supplies.

The post-war economic boom transformed Glastonbury from a small farming community into a thriving suburban town. The population more than doubled during this period, and Katz Hardware grew to meet the needs of these new residents. The store expanded its footprint, added new product lines, and hired additional staff—many of whom would remain with the company for decades.

The 1950s saw the introduction of new power tools and labor-saving devices that revolutionized home improvement. Katz Hardware stayed ahead of the curve, stocking the latest innovations and training staff to demonstrate and explain these new technologies to curious customers. The store became known not just for selling products, but for teaching customers how to use them safely and effectively.

In 1954, Ace Hardware—which had been founded in Chicago in 1924 as a buying cooperative for independent hardware stores—officially adopted the "Ace Hardware" name. Recognizing the benefits of cooperative buying power while maintaining local ownership and control, Katz Hardware eventually joined forces with Ace, becoming part of a network that would grow to become the world's largest hardware cooperative.

The 1970s brought new challenges: oil crises, inflation, and increasing competition from big-box retailers. But Katz ACE Hardware—now proudly bearing the Ace name—adapted and thrived. The store invested heavily in energy-efficient products as homeowners sought to reduce their heating costs. Staff became experts in weatherization, insulation, and energy conservation.

A new generation of the Katz family took the reins during this era, bringing fresh ideas while honoring the traditions that had made the store successful. They computerized inventory systems, expanded the paint department with the addition of Benjamin Moore paints, and enhanced the lawn and garden section to serve Glastonbury's growing suburban population.

The 1980s saw the rise of national home improvement chains, but Katz ACE Hardware doubled down on what made it special: personal service, expert advice, and deep community ties. While big-box stores competed on price alone, Katz competed on knowledge and relationships.

As Glastonbury celebrated its own rich history, Katz ACE Hardware became increasingly involved in community events and local organizations. The store sponsored Little League teams, supported the Glastonbury Apple Harvest Festival, and donated supplies for countless community improvement projects.

The turn of the millennium brought the internet and new ways of shopping, but Katz ACE Hardware recognized that some things can't be replaced by technology: the ability to hold a product in your hands, to ask questions of a knowledgeable staff member, and to get advice tailored to your specific project. The store embraced technology as a tool while never losing sight of the human connections that truly matter.

Bob, Current Owner

In 2020, Katz ACE Hardware celebrated its 100th anniversary—a remarkable milestone that few businesses ever achieve. While the COVID-19 pandemic made large celebrations impossible, the community showed its appreciation in countless ways, from heartfelt messages to continued support during uncertain times.

Today, Katz ACE Hardware continues to evolve while staying true to its roots. The store has expanded its offerings to include premium brands like Weber and Big Green Egg grills, Traeger smokers, YETI products, and EGO power equipment. The paint department, featuring Benjamin Moore's exceptional line, remains one of the finest in the region. And new services—from key cutting to screen repair, propane filling to glass cutting—ensure that customers can get what they need without driving all over town.

Perhaps most importantly, the core values established in 1920 remain at the heart of everything we do: treat every customer like a neighbor, provide honest and helpful advice, and give back to the community that has supported us for over a century.