Aubuchon Company Enters New Jersey

November 7, 2024, Westminster, MA — Liz and Jan Rupinski have agreed to sell Anco Ace Hardware in Villas, NJ, to the Aubuchon Company, the oldest and largest family-owned group of hardware stores in America. The store will continue to operate as “Anco Ace Hardware.”

After settlement in December, the Aubuchon Company will operate 124 stores in 10 states.

“For more than 41 years, Liz and Jan have built a great business and an even better team,” said William E. Aubuchon, IV, President & CEO. “For decades, Anco Ace Hardware has been the go-to resource for the community in Villas, and we look forward to continuing their legacy and building on their success.”

"Running Anco Ace has been more than a business for us; it has been our way of making a difference in our community," said Liz. "This store never ceases to amaze us, but one thing is for sure — the community and our store associates were the number one reason for our success.”

“There is no doubt that with the culture we have created, there is no end to the success of this store,” said Jan. “We’re confident that Aubuchon, with its rich heritage and commitment to serving others, is the perfect steward to take Anco Ace into the future.”

“In a few short months, we felt a great business bond formed between us and the Aubuchon team.  Always positive and extremely fair and never waiting to have a question or concern addressed. Answers are always clear and concise,” said Jan.

The Anco Ace Hardware team and the Aubuchon team celebrating the acquisition!

“We feel there are only good things in the future for our team and the business,” said Liz. 

“We have always treated our customers like family, and we know that Aubuchon shares that same philosophy,” added Jan. “Our team will continue to do what we do best—providing great service and being there for our customers—now as part of the Aubuchon Company.”

“We work hard, care for each other, and have fun,” said Aubuchon. “We couldn’t be more excited to bring the Anco Ace team into the fold and continue serving the community of Villas together.”

Aerial view of Anco Ace Hardware

About Anco Ace Hardware

Liz and Jan Rupinski started ANCO Ace Hardware in 1982. Since then, ANCO Ace has grown with the Lower Township and surrounding communities of Cape May County. Our roots go back to the late 1950s when Charles and Ann Rupinski and their five children began making and installing aluminum windows, doors, and venetian blinds on our property in Villas, New Jersey. Known for its friendly service and extensive knowledge of hardware products, ANCO Ace has become a cornerstone in the community—a place where customers are treated like family and where quality service is guaranteed. Liz and Jan have made it their mission to foster positive customer relationships and ensure everyone who walks through the doors receives the help they need.

About the Aubuchon Company

Founded by William E. Aubuchon, Sr in 1908, the Aubuchon Company is the oldest and largest family-owned group of hardware stores in America. Now in its fourth generation, the purpose of the Aubuchon Company is “to make a difference by serving others.” Following the purchase of Anco Ace Hardware, the Aubuchon Company will operate 124 stores in 10 states, predominantly under the “Aubuchon Hardware” & “Aubuchon Ace Hardware” brands, but also including “Lyndonville Ace Hardware” in Lyndonville, VT, “Village Hardware” in Alexandria, VA, “True Value” & “Ace Hardware” in Pennsylvania, “Cornell’s Hardware” in Eastchester, NY, “Martin’s Hardware & Building Supply” in Bristol, VT, “Campbell’s Hardware” in Maine, “Zimmerman’s Ace Hardware” in Burtonsville, MD, “J.B. Hostetter & Sons” in Mount Joy, PA, “Curry Ace Hardware” in Massachusetts, “Brunswick Ace Hardware” in Brunswick, MD, “Bibens Ace Hardware” in Vermont, “Woodstock Ace Home & Hardware” in Woodstock, VT, “Brown & Roberts Ace Hardware” in Brattleboro, VT, the Mott Family of “Ace Hardware” stores in Pennsylvania, and now “Anco Ace Hardware” in New Jersey. The Aubuchon Company’s mission is to “grow the leaders and culture to build the strongest hardware stores in America.” For more information about the Aubuchon Company, visit aubuchon.company. To shop online, visit hardwarestore.com.