Ace Hardware holds soft opening in Blaine

Ace Hardware launched a soft opening for its Blaine store on November 1. The business will focus on its holiday products and grills as it continues stocking its shelves in the coming months.

Store owner Philippe Boulos said he opened the Blaine location because he wanted to expand on the Ace Hardware he owns in Ferndale. 

“I like Blaine,” Boulos said. “I think it’s a pro-business city. It’s got a great downtown area.” 

Boulos said it would be a ‘very limited soft-opening’ after the store ran into permitting and other obstacles. The store, which already has holiday lights and decorations, grills, toys, paint brushes, shovels, sleds and other merchandise, is expected to have its paint department and hardware section by December. 

“We’re really opening up a soft-opening to sell Christmas,” Boulos said. “But we’ve had other things arrive as well and there will be more things arriving on a weekly basis.”

The grand opening will likely occur in March, when the weather is better, Boulos said.

Ace Hardware will be open from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday through Saturday, and from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. on Sunday. The business is at the former Ace Hardware location, 1733 H Street, suite 700, in the Cost Cutter plaza. 

“It’s locally owned and operated,” Boulos said. “We’re going to have a great staff that is very friendly.”