What's Happening in Champaign, IL…

Ace Hardware has opened a new location in south Champaign, at the Carriage Center complex.

The hardware store is managed by Teresa Redmond, who is moving from another Ace outlet.

Niemann Foods owns both the new store, which is on Neil Street, and the second location on Kirby Avenue. Niemann is also the company behind Pet Supplies Plus, Country Market, and the convenience store Haymakers.

Redmond says the customer feedback she is getting indicates people are excited about having a hardware store in the area. She says the new Ace has an “outstanding paint department” that carries a large selection of paint brands in many different colors. It also has canning supplies, a kitchen section, a number of Craftsman tools, and a sizable garden center, and does not just supply hand tools, nuts, and bolts, according to Redmond.

Visitors can have keys copied, but the store can also make keys with transponder chips for those vehicles that use them. The store is open from 7:00 am to 8:00 pm every day, and has 10 employees.

Redmond might consider proven techniques to bring customers to the new store. She could work with a flyer printing company to create a mailer for residents throughout the area. Including a coupon for a temporary special to celebrate a location can help increase business.