Ace Hardware expands offerings

• Ace Hardware

Julie buntjer/Daily Globe Jeri Kruger, manager of giftware and housewares at Schwalbach Ace Hardware in Worthington, stands among some of the new items now offered for sale at the Oxford Street business.

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WORTHINGTON — Twinkling decorative branches, mosaic glassware, word art and gazing balls are among the new items now for sale at Schwalbach Ace Hardware in Worthington.

The expanding line of gift and home décor items are in response to a recent gift store closure downtown, and will help to serve the needs of the community, according to Jeri Kruger, manager of Ace’s giftware and housewares department.

Kruger began looking for ways to expand the offerings in the department after starting at Ace two months ago. She has 30 years experience in retail, working previously in Adrian, where she managed the gift department of their local hardware store for half a dozen years.

“We’re bringing in more items and feeling out to see what people are looking for,” said Kruger, who has a lot of new ideas for potential offerings.

Items like beaded garland, LED lighted branches and LED string lights are already available, and have become popular items for those looking to redecorate or give a “fresh look” to their home, Kruger said.

The addition of home décor items makes for a good fit with other departments at Ace — including paint and supplies, she added.

Other new products include picture frames, Goose Creek candles (other lines will be added later), Leaning Tree and Oatmeal Studios greeting cards, year of birth cards, wind chimes and memorial gifts such as memory stones, memory coins and keepsake tokens.

“I’m going to bring in some angels and gifts for all occasions,” Kruger said. Napkins and placemats will also be added in the near future, as well as wine décor and wine accessories.

Kruger encourages anyone who is looking for a specific item to ask, as it may be something she can order or stock.

Schwalbach Ace Hardware is open from 7:30 a.m. to 8 p.m. Monday through Friday, from 7:30 a.m. to 6 p.m. on Saturday and from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Sunday.

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