Of course, one advantage of the internet is that you can find the store nearest you from the company web site.  You are probably right that they've shut near you, but you might be surprised.  Like with True Value, some locally owned Ace stores use the local name as primary, and Ace as secondary, but they are still Ace.  mcneely

---- Jim Felder <jim.felder@GMAIL.COM> wrote: 
> Unfortunately, all the Ace Hardware Store in my area (as far as I
> know) have all closed over the last few years. For hardware, we have
> several excellent old-school stores, but they are not the kind of
> place I would buy mechanics specialty tools. Sears is great for that,
> though there are more things in their "catalog/online exclusive"
> section and less and less in the stores. When I spend that kind of
> money, I want to see it first.
> 
> I didn't know Kmart was selling craftsman, but I haven't been in there
> for so long since they closed the one near me.
> 
> Jim
> 
> On Sun, Feb 27, 2011 at 8:33 AM, Dave Mcneely <mcneely4@cox.net> wrote:
> > ---- Max Wellhouse <dimwittedmoose@CFU.NET> wrote:
> >> Our local Ace Hardware store is selling a big stash of Craftsman
> >> tools.  Not sure if others are following suit.  They moved out all
> >> their Ace brand stuff and replaced it with C-man stuff. I think that
> >> is a step in the proper direction, especially if Sears is bailing and
> >> KMart ain't doinn' it no mo....
> >
> > http://chicagobreakingbusiness.com/2010/02/ace-hardware-signs-on-to-sell-craftsman.html
> >

--
David McNeely