Marine Home Center has sold two of its Ace Hardware locations to two different acquirers that have been active in the space. They sold Anchor Ace Hardware in Denville, NJ to Costello’s Ace, and they sold Anchor Ace Hardware in Sandwich, MA to Aubuchon.
Anchor Ace in Sandwich, MA
The deal for Anchor Ace in Sandwich is on track to close on August 31st. After its close, the store will be rebranded as “Aubuchon Ace Hardware”. The addition will give Aubuchon 145 stores across 12 states.
For 34 years, the Sandwich store has been a fixture on the Upper Cape — the kind of dependable neighborhood hardware store where the team knows your name and the aisles have what you actually came in for. Marine Home Center built something this community has counted on for decades, and we don’t take that lightly. We’re honored they’ve trusted us to carry it forward, and we intend to earn that trust with the same care our neighbors in Sandwich have come to expect.
William E. Aubuchon, IV, President & CEO
This leaves Marine Home Center with its core business in Nantucket, and one Anchor Ace Hardware store in South Yarmouth, MA. After the divestitures of the other Anchor Ace locations, it makes me wonder if we’ll see the remaining one be sold soon.
Sandwich has been an important part of our story on Cape Cod, and this decision lets us put our full focus on our core locations, including our Anchor Ace Hardware in South Yarmouth. We looked hard for the right steward, and Aubuchon stood out — a fourth-generation, family-run company with deep roots, real scale, and a genuine commitment to taking care of its people. Their systems, vendor relationships, and ability to invest will let the Sandwich store grow in ways a single operator can’t easily match.
To our Sandwich customers and team, thank you. Customers can expect the same familiar faces and a smooth transition, and over time a broader assortment and a store that keeps getting better. The Sandwich store team members have been offered roles with Aubuchon, and we are grateful for everything they have given to this store. Our hope is simple: that Sandwich flourishes for decades to come, with the resources and support to truly thrive.
Walt Spokowski, President of Marine Home Center
For Aubuchon, this is their third acquisition this year, and their ninth store added. They acquired F.L. Davis Ace in Arkansas at the beginning of June, which was a seven store chain, and they acquired Depault’s Ace Hardware in Cumberland, RI at the beginning of March.
Anchor Ace in Denville, NJ
The other Anchor Ace location that was divested was the one in Denville, NJ. It was sold by Marine Home Center to Costello’s Ace.
According to an article in Denville Now, Costello’s plans to remodel the store with the work being completed by early 2027. The capital investment required for a remodel often goes into a store owner’s decision to sell their business. It also goes into the business case for the buying decision because it’s value that can be unlocked after close.
We are incredibly proud and excited to welcome our 65th location in Denville, New Jersey!
Costello’s Ace Hardware – LinkedIn Post
For generations, this store has been a trusted destination for homeowners, businesses, contractors, and the local community. We are honored to carry on that tradition while building on the strong foundation that has made it a staple in Denville.
We are committed to providing the friendly service, knowledgeable advice, and quality products that customers have come to expect. As we invest in and enhance the store in the months ahead, our focus will remain on serving the community and supporting the people and businesses throughout the Denville area.
We’re excited for what lies ahead and look forward to serving the Denville community for many years to come.
Costello’s has a goal of getting to 100 stores by 2030. They made a big jump towards that goal last year when they acquired the 11-store Rommell’s Ace chain. In addition to acquiring new locations, they’ve also been expanding organically with new openings.