Westlake Ace Hardware Acquires Dale Hardware in Fremont, California

Westlake Ace Hardware to acquire Dale Hardware and carry on its 70-year legacy.

Westlake Ace Hardware announced that it has agreed to acquire Dale Hardware, Inc., a family-owned Ace retailer in Fremont, Calif. The acquisition will be completed on July 28, 2025.

Dale Hardware, located at 3700 Thornton Avenue in Fremont, will be rebranded as Ace Hardware of Fremont after the acquisition is finalized. Renovations to the space will begin in early 2026. The terms of the sale assure that the transition will be smooth, with minimal disruption to day-to-day operations.

“After careful consideration, we believe that Westlake Ace Hardware is well-positioned to take the company to new heights, introduce innovations and growth opportunities, and continue the 70-year legacy we’ve built,” said Dale Hardware owners Garth and Kyle Smith. “It has been a rewarding journey, and the decision to sell opens exciting possibilities for both the future of the business and for the residents of Fremont and the greater Bay Area.”

They added, “We also want to thank the dedicated Dale Hardware team. Our employees are the foundation of our success, and we want to assure them, our customers, and partners that they can expect a seamless continuation of the high standards we’re known for.”

“We look forward to carrying on the tradition of service, excellence, and community support that Dale Hardware began more than 70 years ago,” said Joe Jeffries, president and CEO of Ace Retail Holdings, the parent company of Westlake Ace Hardware. “Most importantly, we are eager to show our new friends, neighbors, and customers in Fremont and the surrounding area how we live the Ace Helpful Promise every day.”

Westlake Ace currently owns and operates 20 stores in California, including ten in the northern part of the state: Chico, Northeast Fresno, Livermore, Mountain View, Pinole, Pleasant Hill, San Jose, Santa Rosa (Guerneville Fulton Ace Hardware), Turlock, and Woodland. Two additional northern California locations are slated to open soon in San Leandro (summer 2025) and Sacramento/Land Park (early 2026). 

About Westlake Ace Hardware

For 120 years, Westlake Ace Hardware has been the helpful neighborhood hardware store countless generations have counted on for power and hand tools, fasteners, paint, plumbing, lawn care, pet supplies, electrical supplies, and BBQ grills and accessories. Westlake lives the Ace Helpful Promise every day by delivering reliable service, helpful advice, and products so its customers and neighbors get their projects done right every time. Westlake Ace has been part of the Ace Hardware Cooperative since 1959. From its headquarters in the Kansas City area, the company currently owns and operates more than 175 stores in 13 states. Westlake Ace is a wholly-owned subsidiary of Ace Retail Holdings. A division of Ace Hardware Corporation, Ace Retail Holdings currently owns and operates more than 250 Ace hardware stores nationwide under the Buikema’s Ace, Dennis Company Ace, Great Lakes Ace, Westlake Ace, Breed&Co. Ace, and Outer Banks Ace brands. 

About Dale Hardware

Founded in 1955 by Harry “Bill” and Elinor “Dede” Smith, Dale Hardware has grown into a trusted provider of hardware products and services to the Bay Area. Under the leadership of many trusted individuals, the business has consistently delivered quality products and services while maintaining a strong commitment to customer satisfaction and community support. Combining next-door neighbor friendliness with hardware know-how gained from more than 70 years in business, Dale Hardware continues to meet the needs of its diverse and ever-growing customer base. Whether they are do-it-yourselfers or commercial builders, customers can rely on Dale Hardware for a wide selection of high-quality products, services, and practical advice they can trust.

Contact:

Susan Shank – Public Relations / Mentzer PR Group – sshank@mprg.biz – (816) 536-5746

Source: Westlake Hardware, Inc.