Ace Hardware Brings Community Focus To Toms River

TOMS RIVER, NJ — A new Ace Hardware has opened in Toms River, filling an empty storefront on Route 37 East.

The store opened Friday, said Jonathan Reuter, the store's manager. A grand opening is planned in March.

The majority of the 5,000 Ace Hardware stores nationwide are independently owned and operated, including the Toms River store, which is one of six owned by H. Brickman & Sons. That family has been operating its stores since 1933; the Toms River location is its first outside of New York City.

"The decision to open this location really started with our ownership group — a fourth-generation family business that has been locally owned and operated since 1933," the owners said. "That kind of history says a lot. They’ve built their reputation on community, integrity, and long-term relationships, and when the opportunity came to bring a true neighborhood hardware store back to Toms River, they saw a real need and stepped up."

"This store was built with Toms River in mind," said Reuter, the manager. "We don’t just sell hardware — we believe in supporting and growing with our community."

Among the initiatives is Ace's support of the Children's Miracle Hospital Network with fundraising efforts. The donations stay local to help pay for critical treatments and health care services, and support research and training, "all to save and improve the lives of as many children as possible," the company says. "The money raised at your neighborhood Ace goes to your local CMN Hospital."

"These hard-working men and women are part of the fabric of your community. They are small business owners who are local and loyal ... just like it ought to be," the Ace Hardware site says. "While others have become large and impersonal, at Ace, we've remained small and very personal. "

Reuter said the new store aims to be the "neighborhood destination for tools, paint, hardware, lawn and garden, grills, seasonal favorites, home improvement essentials, and so much more."

The store at 301 Route 37 East filled the former retail space of Pep Boys, next to the Pep Boys service center, which remains open.

Ace Hardware is open Mondays through Fridays, 7:30 a.m. to 8 p.m., Saturdays 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. and Sundays 9 a.m. to 6 p.m.

Note: This article has been updated to clarify that the Pep Boys service center remains open. Patch regrets the confusion.