Industrial News

This program allows Ace to leverage their reputation of superior service in conjunction with ShadeTree's turnkey, sales and installation program. With a national network of local sales people and installers, ShadeTree can provide personal service including home visits, measuring and design service, as well as installation. (Although ShadeTree® shade systems are do-it-yourself friendly since they are pre-cut and pre-drilled ready for assembly.) Additionally, the Ace stores provide a local "showroom" for prospects to see the product before making a purchase decision.

"ShadeTree was an important participant in our program. We've been pleased with the interest and the addition to our outdoor space," said Amy Pallerito, LBM manager at Ace Hardware Corp. "The retractable awnings and shade canopies create a nice themed look in the store and create a beautiful 'outdoor room' for cross merchandising grills and patio furniture and accessories."

Dwayne Williams, President of ShadeTree, announced encouraging results from their pilot program at Ace stores in Columbus, OH and LaGrange, IL in late summer. "We were thrilled to be part of the vendor program with Ace Hardware as it is showing much encouragement with late season sales within the last couple months," said Williams.

Williams expects Ace stores, which carry lumber to benefit from the program as well. Along with the commission they earn for ShadeTree retractable awning sales, (with no selling or inventory) they will receive ancillary sales because many of the ShadeTree shade canopy models are sold as a kit that require additional lumber to assemble.

ShadeTree retractable awnings and shade canopies are a great accessory for a deck or patio. The awnings create a cool, shaded outdoor room with over forty decorator awning fabrics, including commercial-grade Sunbrella® fabrics to customize the appearance. "Unlike traditional shade canopies, our unique retractable awnings can cover small, odd-shaped, or large spaces, with the capacity to span over 21 feet of space and virtually unlimited widths," explains Williams.

Retractable awnings from ShadeTree include a patented, built-in wind protection making them ideal in windy areas. No pitch is required and the awnings can be used free standing or attached to an existing structure (like pergolas, arbors, or patio covers).

ShadeTree's retractable awnings and shade canopy systems come in wood, aluminum, and vinyl. The wood, (Forester model), comes with a complete overhead awning system that can mount to an existing wood support structure. The aluminum, (Capri model) comes with a white, taupe, or black, powder-coated aluminum support structure and requires no carpentry skills to assemble. The vinyl, (Greenbrier model), is a low-maintenance system that can attach to an existing structure.

ShadeTree's new, proprietary vinyl pergola with retractable awnings and shade canopies is a stylish way to add extra space onto an existing structure or to create a freestanding outdoor space. The unique architecture and customization options create a charming, comfortable and practical additional outdoor space for a business or home.

About Ace Hardware:
Throughout its 80-year history, Ace Hardware has been known as the helpful hardware store by both customers and communities. In 2007, Ace Hardware was ranked the "Highest in Customer Satisfaction among Major Home Improvement Retail Stores" by J.D. Power and Associates in its inaugural study of the retail home improvement industry. With 4,600 hardware, home center and building materials stores that generate annual retail sales of more than $12 billion, Ace is the largest retailer-owned hardware cooperative in the industry. Headquartered in Oak Brook, Ill., Ace currently operates 14 distribution centers in the U.S. and a warehouse in Shanghai, China, and its retailers' stores are located in all 50 states and 60 countries. More information about Ace can be found at www.acehardware.com.

About ShadeTree:
ShadeTree retractable awnings operate on a unique overhead track system that supports a broad choice of handsome, decorative awnings. The awning fabric rides on cross members that contain rollers, which glide smoothly in the sturdy, overhead tracks.

They ride so smoothly they can be extended in only seconds, with no more effort than it takes to close window drapes. And they can be retracted just as easily on overcast days, to let more light in the house.

ShadeTree retractable deck and patio canopies provide a unique and stylish shade solution for large commercial as well as residential areas. These modular canopies ride on tracks and feature Sunbrella commercial awning fabrics. Special built-in wind release mechanism prevents damage. Overhead canopies adapt to new or existing structures, or complete support structures are available in wood, powder-coated aluminum or vinyl. No pitch is required, with unsupported spans exceeding 20 feet. (Larger areas can be covered with additional support posts.) The on-staff computer-aided (CAD) designers can create custom drawings. For more information and follow-up, including an on-line price estimate visit http://www.arborshade.com/ACE