Hardware Retailing The Industry's Source for Insights and Information
Rick Bibens has agreed to sell Bibens Ace Hardware, with seven locations in Vermont in to the Aubuchon Company, the oldest and largest group of family-owned hardware stores in America. The stores will continue to operate as Bibens Ace Hardware, Brown & Roberts and Woodstock Home & Hardware. After closing in April, the Aubuchon Company will operate 119 stores in nine states.
“Celebrating 75 years, Bibens is an independent success story that I have long admired,” says William E. Aubuchon, IV, president and CEO. “Since purchasing the original store location from his father in 1982, Rick’s vision and hands-on leadership have resulted in incredible growth. His passion for his people, loyal customers, local communities and the industry as a whole as director of Ace Hardware for nine years is an inspiration.”
“It has been an honor to serve Vermont for over 75 years,” says Bibens. “As a family-owned and operated business, our customers are our neighbors and friends. This may be the part I will miss most. And our employees are like family as well, many of whom have been with me for many years. They have allowed us to expand to seven locations serving all corners of Vermont. Without our team of dedicated employees, none of this would have been possible. The most challenging part of my decision to sell was thinking of my incredible team. I relish the friendships I have built.”
With Rick Bibens looking to spend more time with family and grandchildren and continue serving his community in other ways, now is the time to start a new chapter in Biben’s history. “I’ve always believed going out on a high note is important. We’re doing really well, business is booming, and our employees and communities are flourishing,” says Bibens. “There really wasn’t another company that I could think of that could pick up where we left off, build on what we’ve created and take the business even further. Plus, Aubuchon being family-owned with values like ours made for an obvious choice.”
About Bibens Ace Hardware
Bibens Ace Hardware has evolved from its original Springfield, Vermont, location to a dynamic family of seven stores under the visionary leadership of president Rick Bibens. From building materials to plants, fishing and hunting to marine, each location has a unique focus that sets them apart, allowing Bibens Ace to fulfill the community’s needs with a personal touch. With a plethora of in-store services such as screen repair, glass and key cutting, paint color matching, and propane fills and exchanges, matched with local delivery, online ordering with quick in-store and curbside pick up, they continue to go above and beyond for their loyal customers. Rick Bibens, a local community pillar, successfully expanded the family business while contributing significantly to regional development.
About the Aubuchon Company
Founded by William E. Aubuchon Sr in 1908, the Aubuchon Company is the largest family-owned hardware store chain in America. Now in its fourth generation, the purpose of the Aubuchon Company is “to serve those who depend on us and build on our heritage with passion and humility.” Following the purchase of Bibens Ace Hardware, the Aubuchon Company will operate 119 stores in nine states. The company’s mission is to build up the strongest group of local hardware stores and brands nationwide. For more information about the Aubuchon Company, visit aubuchon.company.
