Growing with the community. One milestone at a time.
Every nail hammered, every screen repaired, every “Can I help you find something?”—it’s all part of a story that began decades ago and continues to grow right here in Lottsburg. For years, folks driving from Callao to Heathsville saw that familiar sign pointing down the road to Allison’s Ace. And thanks to the steady support of our community, we eventually made a big move to Highway 360, building a modern store with an old-fashioned soul.
Allison's was founded by Ira Vernon Allison, and opened with a simple home improvement store. The core focus was on siding, paneling, and interior renovations.
On June 13, 1979, Allison's officially became Allison's Ace, the first franchised hardware store of it's kind in the Northern Neck of Virginia. The modest 1500 sq ft storefront business was growing and required a team of 5 employees.
Allison's Ace expanded to offer services at a second location in Tappahannock, Va.
The new location featured a store design that was truly revolutionary in the retail world. With strategically placed bright lighting, light colored floors, and large print displays that marked the aisles, Ace referred to it as the "store of the future".
Allison's Ace was the first to utilize the new design on the East Coast.
The Allison family was faced with a tough decision following the sudden passing of the store's founder and beloved Ira. The "store of the future" had to be closed down as the family restructured the company to move forward without Ira.
The original store was located about a quarter mile from where it is today. In 1999, the Allison's acquired land in a prominent location on route 360 where it is today.
The move also called for expansion and growth. Allison's Ace would now serve the community with a team of 12 and a 10,000 sq. ft. storefront.
With great visibility in the new storefront, business was growing quickly. Just a year after the move, Allison's added a 5000 sq ft warehouse to store and organize inventory.
Expansion would continue every few years for the next 25 years.
Today Allison's Ace Hardware serves area residents with an 18,000 sq ft store front, a 10,000 sq ft warehouse, and an expansive outdoor lawn & garden drive through facility.
Walk in any time with whatever project you need supplies or advice for and any one of our 29 team members will greet you with a smile.