i am a co owner of a hardware store in santa fe, new mexico. Trying to keep every kind of drill bit that is out there is economically impossible. If a customer would wealk in and need a certain drill bit, we would order for them immediately and get it out on our next order shipment. everyone of our employees has worked as a contractor or in an area of expertise. This way when a customer walks in, they can talk to someone that has experience and not just been hired in to fill the shelves. We take pride in our shop and value every person who walks through the door.
Also Ace can not buy out a hardware store, they are just like true value, a buying co-op.
