Hardware Retailing The Industry's Source for Insights and Information
Ace Retail Group recently announced it is opening a new Westlake Ace Hardware in University Place, Washington, a prosperous and thriving community of around 35,000 residents in the greater Tacoma, Washington, area. Ace Retail Group currently owns and operates five Dennis Company Ace and three Westlake Ace Hardware locations in Washington.
The new store—formerly a Rite Aid Pharmacy—will feature more than 17,000 square feet of retail space. Renovations are scheduled to begin late summer 2026, with a soft opening anticipated for early 2027.
“We are excited to open a new Westlake Ace Hardware and are proud to bring the Ace Helpful Promise to
the University Place community,” says Bob Massengill, former president of Ace Retail Group. “From day one, our
team will be here as a trusted friend and neighbor—ready to provide reliable service, helpful advice and
the top-quality products our customers need to tackle any project with confidence.”
The University Place store will feature lawn and garden supplies, fasteners, tools, plumbing and electrical
supplies, and offer services like key cutting, automotive key fob replacement, STIHL outdoor power
equipment repair, carpet cleaning machine rental and propane tank exchange. The store will also showcase several specialty departments, including The Kitchen Connection at Westlake Ace Hardware, a popular store-within-a-store concept offering gourmet foods, cookware, kitchen tools and linens.
