Ace Hardware – Grand opening coming in May
The hardware store at 311 Grand Avenue in Indian Head has changed hands and the new owner has big plans for expansion.
Some time ago, Mike Patel observed that a vacant storefront in Arrowhead Mall could provide an excellent opportunity to open a dollar store in Indian Head. However, he noted that combining this venture with the existing hardware store adjacent to it would be even more beneficial. Patel approached Lee Moss, owner of Moss Ace Hardware, and offered to buy the business. Eventually, Moss agreed and Patel took over the store on January 9.
Patel and his family hope to move to Indian Head in the near future but they currently live in Regina, where he works for the Co-op Refinery. Patel’s wife, Tika, will oversee the business in Indian Head. They retained two employees and intend to hire three or four more people in the coming months.
The hardware store will continue to stock the same items as before, with additional options available. For example, affiliation with Peavey Mart will give access to many items and Patel plans to also carry a full range of Milwaukee products.
Patel acknowledged that many products are unavailable at stores in Indian Head, requiring residents to travel to Regina for even some small items. His solution is to demolish a wall on one side of the hardware store to incorporate a vacant room and create a larger floor plan that he described as “a kind of Canadian Tire experience.”
The expanded store will offer items typically found in Dollarama or similar venues. This will include craft supplies, glassware, party décor and gift-wrap, stationary, yarn and toys.
Patel and his business partners operate other stores in western Canada, including a hardware store in Manitoba and a dollar store in British Columba, enabling them to purchase bulk items directly from manufacturers for the various locations. Patel said this sav-ings is passed to the customer so that low prices are maintained in the store.
“Prices will be comparable to Regina and we hope that people support us locally,” Patel said.
He wants to provide service to customers in the community and surrounding area, while still respecting previously established businesses.
“My plan is to make it so people can get everything under one roof except groceries; I don’t want to compete against existing businesses because then nobody can survive,” he said.
Patel expects to begin the store expansion in a few weeks with a Grand Opening tentatively planned for late May.
