Aubuchon Hardware Acquires Lynde Hardware and Supply

In an acquisition that brings together two families who have served the local community and its hardware needs for generations, Aubuchon Hardware is purchasing Lynde Hardware and Supply Inc.

Celeste Drake, Lynde Hardware’s Vice President, said that selling after 35 years in business is bittersweet, but that she and her husband Jay, company president, are pleased to be joining the Aubuchon family.

“We are really marrying together,” said Drake. “It’s a family business,” she said of Aubuchon, a regional chain of 103 stores founded in 1908. “They have been in hardware longer than we have and it’s nice to have someone local taking it over.”

Aubuchon CEO William E. Aubuchon IV, said his family has always looked up to Celeste and Jay Drake, not only for their great store and customer service, but also for their support of the community.

“Celeste has been very active with the local community in Gardner and that will continue as she transitions to being a valued member of the Aubuchon team,” he said. Will Aubuchon and Jay Drake have known each other and served together as trustees of the Foundation of North Central Massachusetts. “Without question, the Drakes are committed to making a difference in our local communities. What could be better than that?”

All interested Lynde Hardware staffers are welcome to join the team at Aubuchon store at 34 Pearson Boulevard, which is being updated and expanded to improve the customer experience and merchandise options. With an additional 200 linear feet, the store will add inventory particularly in electrical supplies, fasteners and tools, and the lawn and garden area, Aubuchon said.

Drake said she has known members of the Aubuchon family for decades, and they long have expressed interest in buying Lynde Hardware, known for its quality customer service, and vast array of merchandise in nuts and bolts, appealing to automotive customers. Lynde also has had a reputation for its decorative hardware, popular back when the furniture manufacturing business thrived on the Route 2 corridor.

Lynde Hardware is holding a customer appreciation sale, starting March 4. The store sale will be completed on March 25.

Contact:

Judy Rakowsky – rakowsky@libertysquaregroup.com – (617) 695-0369

Source: W. E. Aubuchon Co., Inc.