MARTIN, S.D. – “The General Store” (Ace Hardware and Lumber store) in Martin, SD has been sold to RF Buche and will take over on May 18th, 2021. Buche plans to keep the store running regular hours through the transition so customers are not affected.
“Martin is great, thriving business community and we are looking forward to giving the customers the superb customer experience and low prices they have seen for the past several years from Dave (current owner Dave Jones) and his team” stated Buche. “All of the existing team members (employees) will remain in place and Dave is going to stay on a part time basis for a bit to help us get situated. Dave and I have gotten to be good friends over the last few months of negotiations and discussions. I look up to him as a smart, honest businessman and I understand we have a lot to live up to but my team and I are up for the challenge!”
Buche says he will be looking for a manager for the Ace Hardware. “We will be looking for someone to replace Dave which won’t be easy to do “said Buche. Randy will continue to handle all aspects of the lumber part of our business but we are actively seeking to hire a manager for the Ace in Martin. Although hardware experience is great, we can certainly train.”
Buche and his team will begin to expand the variety and product selection shortly after the 18th of May. The store will remain an Ace but with new ownership comes Ace reimaging, new product selection and increased variety for all product lines. “Ace is a great brand and with our experience in hardware and having other locations in the Martin area, this store will be a great fit. We are really looking forward to being a part of the Martin community!”
RF Buche owns and operates grocery, convenience, fast food, hardware, and auto parts stores in 17 locations in eleven different South Dakota communities. The Buche Company employs approximately 300 team members and is planning for more growth.
