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Robert A. Noble III has agreed to sell three Noble Ace Hardware stores in Rutland, Vt.; Cobleskill, N.Y.; and Cambridge, N.Y., to the Aubuchon Co., the oldest and largest family-owned group of hardware stores in America. The stores will be rebranded to Aubuchon Ace Hardware.
Once the deal closes on Jan. 23, the Aubuchon Co. will operate 127 stores in 10 states.
“For 25 years, Rob has been a dedicated and successful steward of Vermont’s oldest continuous business—Landon’s Hardware in Rutland, established in 1802,” said William E. Aubuchon IV, president & CEO. “His achievements naturally inspired the addition of other historic retail traditions in Cobleskill and Cambridge, N.Y. It’s a true honor to continue building on this remarkable legacy!”
“It has been the privilege of a lifetime to carry forward the legacy of these remarkable stores,” said Noble. “For a quarter of a century, I’ve been inspired by the dedication of our teams and the support of the communities we’ve served. I’m confident that the Aubuchon family, with their deep roots and shared values, will not only preserve this legacy but also take it to new heights.”
Rob Noble will remain in retail, expanding Noble Ace Hardware in Poultney, Vt., with building supplies, operating Lyme Hardware in Lyme, N.H., and Allied Electric in Cobleskill, N.Y., and opening a new Ace Hardware store in Ogdensburg, N.Y.
As for choosing Aubuchon, Noble said, “The Aubuchon Company shares the same commitment to community, care of people, and passion for serving customers that has guided Noble Ace Hardware for decades. Knowing that our stores and teams will be in the hands of a family-owned company with deep roots and a proven track record of success made this decision an easy one.”
“I want to thank everyone in Rutland, Cobleskill, and Cambridge for your hard work, friendship, and loyalty,” said Noble.
“We work hard, care for each other, and have fun,” said Aubuchon. “We’re thrilled to welcome the Noble Ace team and are fully committed to helping them thrive as they continue serving their neighbors and communities for generations to come.”
Noble Ace Hardware proudly traces its roots back over two centuries, beginning in 1802 as Landon’s Hardware in Rutland, Vermont. In 2000, Robert A. Noble III launched his hardware career by purchasing Landon’s Hardware, continuing its legacy as Vermont’s oldest continuous business. Under his leadership, Noble Ace Hardware expanded its tradition of excellence with locations in Rutland, Cobleskill, and Cambridge. Each store embodies a deep commitment to quality products, expert advice, and exceptional customer care. Over the past 25 years, the Noble family has fostered a culture of hard work, community pride, and personal service that defines the modern hardware retail experience.
Founded by William E. Aubuchon, Sr., in 1908, the Aubuchon Co. is the oldest and largest family-owned group of hardware stores in America. Now in its fourth generation, the purpose of the Aubuchon Company is “to make a difference by serving others.” Following the purchase of the three Noble Ace Hardware stores, the Aubuchon Company will operate 127 stores in 10 states, predominantly under the Aubuchon Hardware and Aubuchon Ace Hardware brands, but also including Lyndonville Ace Hardware, Lyndonville, Vt.; Village Hardware, Alexandria, Va.; True Value & Ace Hardware in Pennsylvania; Cornell’s Hardware, Eastchester, N.Y.; Martin’s Hardware & Building Supply, Bristol, Vt.; Campbell’s Hardware in Maine; Zimmerman’s Ace Hardware, Burtonsville, Md.; J.B. Hostetter & Sons, Mount Joy, Pa.; Curry Ace Hardware in Massachusetts; Brunswick Ace Hardware, Brunswick, Md.; Bibens Ace Hardware in Vermont; Woodstock Ace Home & Hardware, Woodstock, Vt.; and“Brown & Roberts Ace Hardware, Brattleboro, Vt. Aubuchon’s mission is to “grow the culture and leaders to build the strongest hardware stores in America.”
