Hardware Retailing The Industry's Source for Insights and Information
Costello’s Ace Hardware announced the acquisition of Rommel’s Ace Home Centers, a family-owned group of 11 stores across Maryland, Delaware and Virginia.
This milestone marks the largest single acquisition in Costello’s Ace Hardware’s 52-year history, expanding the company’s footprint into Delaware for the first time and reinforcing its presence in the Mid-Atlantic region. With this acquisition, Costello’s Ace Hardware now operates 62 retail locations across six states.
The Rommel’s Ace Home Centers name will be retained, honoring more than 40 years of trusted service and preserving the local identity that customers and communities have long valued. All 170 Rommel’s employees, including its experienced support and leadership team are joining Costello’s, bringing the company’s total workforce to more than 1,250 team members across six states. This addition strengthens Costello’s role as a family-owned business that supports associates, their families and the communities it serves throughout the Northeast and Mid-Atlantic.
“For Costello’s, growth is not just about adding stores. It is about building a team that makes us stronger, more adaptive and capable of taking on the future,” says Michael Costello, CEO of Costello’s Ace Hardware. “We are proud to continue guiding the Rommel brand, which for decades has been synonymous with attentive, expert service, time-saving convenience and quality products from premium brands, all delivered by teams with huge hearts for serving their communities.”
The newly acquired Rommel’s Ace Home Centers include two locations in Delaware (Dover and Selbyville), two locations in Virginia (Chincoteague and Exmore) and seven locations in Maryland (Ocean City, Severna Park, Salisbury, Cambridge, Stevensville, Perry Hall and Rock Hall).
“Welcoming the Rommel’s team into the Costello’s family is something I’m very proud of,” says Jaime Maloney, president of Costello’s Ace Hardware. “It is more than an expansion. It is about uniting two strong teams with the same love for people and service. Together, we will continue growing in a way that strengthens our communities and builds on what matters most.”
Customers can expect the same exceptional service and convenience Rommel’s has delivered for decades. Costello’s will continue to align closely with Ace Hardware’s brand standards and initiatives, ensuring stores remain the best place to work and shop for DIYers, commercial accounts, and professional contractors alike.
“Dave Rommel and I are thrilled that our stores are now part of the Costello’s organization. Rommel’s has always been about people, our employees, our customers and our communities,” says Michael Cottingham, CEO of Rommel’s Ace Home Centers. “I am confident that Costello’s Ace Hardware will carry our legacy forward with the same family values and customer-first approach that have made Rommel’s successful for more than 40 years. Thank you to our loyal customers and dedicated employees for your trust and support. It has truly been an honor to be part of your lives.”
