2020 New Store Performance Analysis

NEW STORE PERFORMANCE ANALYSIS 2020

Scott Smith Retail Analytics

Table of Contents

• New Store Performance Updates – Exclusion Criteria – Store Sample – Performance Results

2

Exclusion Criteria

Store samples exclude: •

Stores not transmitting POS data •

Most grocery stores do not transmit POS data

• Stores with unsteady POS transmissions •

Must transmit 300 out of 365 days to be included in sample (“82.2% rule”)

• Stores which don’t fit the typical Ace Hardware format and DIY customer base • Home Centers and Lumberyards • IBR stores • Grocery SWS • Known large niche stores • Stores that had a large % of “unidentified/non - Ace SKU” sales (under 50%) • Conversions eliminated – only analyzing New Investors and Branches

3

Store Sample

Year 1 Analysis • 310 stores

• Year 1 Sales (first full 12 months) • Opened from January 2015 – January 2020 (stores who opened in 2014 were removed from the sample and stores who opened in 2019 and Jan 2020 were added) • Must have completed 12 months of sales by December 31 st 2020 Year 2 & 3 Analysis • 176 stores • Only included stores who have been open for 3 years and transmitted more than 300 POS days all 3 years • Only included stores who opened from January 2015 – January 2018 • Must have completed 36 months of sales by December 31 st 2020

4

Key Takeaways

• COVID had a significant positive impact on key metrics for stores maturing in 2020.

• Avg sales/SQFT has grown $21/SQFT for maturing stores versus the prior year. • Stronger sales among stores maturing in 2020 resulted in stores performing well beyond their proforma, averaging 123% for their first year.

• Branches continue to outperform New Investor stores in most metrics • Combining the last 5 years, Branches have a 26% sales advantage and can drive 21% more transactions in their stores versus New Investors • However, New Investor stores maturing in 2020 performed as strong as branch stores in sales/sq ft but branch stores generated, on average, 28% more transactions per day.

• The average % to proforma over the past 5 years is at 114% overall with stores who matured in 2020 at 123% • Super stores are more likely to outperform their proforma at 128% • More effective owners also outperform their proforma regardless of owner type

• Best Brands – consistent growth amongst all metrics as stores carry more best brands • Stores maturing in 2020 who carry 10-11 best brands • Average % to proforma was 129% • Avg sales/SQFT was $168

• Year 2 & Year 3 Analysis – stores see consistent growth across all key metrics each year. • We continue to see positive growth for all formats each year

5

Overall Sales Performance 2020 Analysis (stores opened from Jan 2015 – Jan 2020)

Last Year’s Analysis (stores opened from Jan 2014 – Jan 2019)

310

313 $1,240,423 57,915 9,643 $135.87 $21.34 162 43.7% 111%

Store Count

$1,337,928

Avg Year 1 Sales

58,646

Avg Trans Count

9,917

Avg Retail SQFT

$140.44

Avg Sales/SQFT

$22.50

Avg Ticket

164

Avg Trans Count/Day

43.5%

Avg GM%

114%

Avg % to Proforma

• Among the stores maturing in the past 5 years, strong performance among stores maturing in 2020 drove the increase across most key metrics.

*Sales per square foot is based off of total retail selling space

Stores opened from January 2015 – January 2020

**GM% is based off of Ace RSC stocked items only

6

Performance Trends

Avg Trans Count Trend Each Year Represents 5 Yr Avg

Avg Sales/Sq Ft Trend Each Year Represents 5 Yr Avg

52,000 54,000 56,000 58,000 60,000 62,000 64,000 66,000 68,000

$105.00 $110.00 $115.00 $120.00 $125.00 $130.00 $135.00 $140.00 $145.00

$140.44

66,799

$134.16 $134.58 $134.25 $135.87

63,513 62,807

$130.32

61,114

$124.66

59,158

58,020 57,915 58,646

$119.31

2013 Analysis

2014 Analysis

2015 Analysis

2016 Analysis

2017 Analysis

2018 Analysis

2019 Analysis

2020 Analysis

2013 Analysis

2014 Analysis

2015 Analysis

2016 Analysis

2017 Analysis

2018 Analysis

2019 Analysis

2020 Analysis

Avg Ticket Trend Each Year Represents 5 Yr Avg

Avg Store Size Trend Each Year Represents 5 Yr Avg

$10.00 $15.00 $20.00 $25.00 $30.00

10,500

$22.50

9,917

$20.73 $21.54 $21.34

10,028

$18.69 $19.26

10,000

9,643

$17.62 $18.06

9,527

9,354

9,334

9,500

9,200

9,028

9,000

$0.00 $5.00

8,500

2013 Analysis

2014 Analysis

2015 Analysis

2016 Analysis

2017 Analysis

2018 Analysis

2019 Analysis

2020 Analysis

2013 Analysis

2014 Analysis

2015 Analysis

2016 Analysis

2017 Analysis

2018 Analysis

2019 Analysis

2020 Analysis

• The average sales/sq ft growth trend from 2013 – 2016 coincided with declining average store size and leveled off as store size started to increase in the 2017 analysis. • The addition of 2020 maturing stores proved to be an anomaly as average store size increased as well as sales/sq ft.

7

*Sales per square foot is based off of total retail selling space

By Year

Avg Trans Count/ Day

12 months Completed in

Avg Retail Hardware SQFT

Avg Trans Count

Avg Sales/ SQFT

Avg % to Proforma

Median % to Proforma

Avg GM% (based on Ace Valid SKUS)

Store Count

Avg Ticket

Avg Year 1 Sales

2 ^

2015

$1,798,009 10,000 91,566 $241.86 $19.59 253

46%

151% 151%

2016

55 $1,195,357 9,053 56,196 $139.42 $20.93 158

44%

111% 102%

2017

78 $1,290,054 10,540 58,324 $131.30 $21.68 163

44%

110% 102%

2018

61 $1,212,471 9,588 57,329 $134.44 $21.50 160

44%

115% 110%

2019

54 $1,275,725 9,650 55,197 $137.30 $22.98 156

43%

108% 100%

2020

60 $1,699,051 10,473 64,657 $158.80 $25.70 180

42%

123% 110%

Grand Total 310 $1,337,928 9,917 58,646 $140.44 $22.50 164

44% 114% 104%

• Avg Sales/SQFT for 2020 increased significantly (+$21) due to increased demand from the pandemic.

• On average, Year 1 sales among stores maturing in 2020 increased 33% versus prior year as both average transaction count increased 17% and average ticket increased 14%.

*Sales per square foot is based off of total retail selling space

Stores opened from January 2015 – January 2020

**GM% is based off of Ace RSC stocked items only ^ 2 stores in 2015 represent two stores in sample that opened in January 2015 and completed 12 months of sales in December 2015

8

By Format

Avg Retail Hardware SQFT

Avg Trans Count

Avg Sales/ SQFT

Avg Trans Count/ Day

Avg % to Proforma

Avg GM% (based on Ace Valid SKUS)

Store Count

Avg Year 1 Sales

Avg Ticket

Format

Convenience

41 $839,522 5,017 43,866 $173.37 $18.83 122

46%

94%

Core

209 $1,229,568 9,222 55,231 $136.43 $22.46 155

43% 113%

Super

60 $2,055,960 15,687 80,643 $131.90 $25.16 224

43% 128%

Grand Total

310 $1,337,928 9,917 58,646 $140.44 $22.50 164

44% 114%

• Smaller stores continue to be the most productive.

• Super stores are more likely to outperform their proforma at 128% while generating higher average ticket and daily transaction counts versus other formats.

*Sales per square foot is based off of total retail selling space

Stores opened from January 2015 – January 2020

**GM% is based off of Ace RSC stocked items only

9

By Format

Stores matured in 2020:

Avg Retail Hardware SQFT

Avg Trans Count

Avg Sales/ SQFT

Avg Trans Count/ Day

Avg % to Proforma

Avg GM% (based on Ace Valid SKUS)

Store Count

Avg Year 1 Sales

Avg Ticket

Format

Convenience

4 $882,754 4,675 43,485 $184.63 $19.58 120

43.8% 119%

Core

42 $1,345,671 9,088 52,465 $149.80 $25.79 147

42.2% 118%

Super

14 $2,992,419 16,283 107,280 $178.42 $27.16 296

42.2% 139%

Grand Total

60 $1,699,051 10,473 64,657 $158.80 $25.70 180

42.3% 123%

• Among stores maturing in 2020, Super stores performed closer to convenience stores due to stronger average daily number of transactions.

*Sales per square foot is based off of total retail selling space

Stores opened from January 2015 – January 2020

**GM% is based off of Ace RSC stocked items only

10

By Investor Type

Avg Retail Hardware SQFT

Avg Trans Count

Avg Sales/ SQFT

Avg Trans Count/ Day

Avg % to Proforma

Avg GM% (based on Ace Valid SKUS)

Investor Type

Store Count

Avg Year 1 Sales

Avg Ticket

Branch

210 $1,432,615 10,369 62,078 $144.18 $22.63 174

43.8% 116%

New Investor 100 $1,139,086 8,970 51,438 $132.58 $22.25 144

42.8% 109%

Grand Total

310 $1,337,928 9,917 58,646 $140.44 $22.50 164

44% 114%

Branch Advantage

26%

21% 9%

21% 100 bps

7 ppts

• Branches continue to outperform New Investor stores in most metrics • Branch stores are more productive despite their larger size • Branches have a 26% sales advantage and can drive 21% more transactions in their stores versus New Investors

*Sales per square foot is based off of total retail selling space

Stores opened from January 2015 – January 2020

**GM% is based off of Ace RSC stocked items only

11

By Investor Type

Stores matured in 2020:

Avg Retail Hardware SQFT

Avg Trans Count

Avg Sales/ SQFT

Avg Trans Count/ Day

Avg % to Proforma

Avg GM% (based on Ace Valid SKUS)

Investor Type

Store Count

Avg Year 1 Sales

Avg Ticket

40 $1,823,714 10,946 69,670 $158.93 $25.20 194

42.6% 123%

Branch

20 $1,449,725 9,526 54,630 $158.56 $26.69 152

41.7% 123%

New Investor

Grand Total

60 $1,699,051 10,473 64,657 $158.80 $25.70 180

42.3% 123%

Branch Advantage

26%

28% 0.2%

28% 90 bps

0 ppts

• Branch stores matured in 2020 continue to outperform New Investor stores • Branch stores outperform New Investor stores by a slim margin in terms of sales/sq ft, but benefit the most from generating a higher average daily transaction count.

• New Investor stores maturing in 2020 had a stronger average ticket versus branch stores.

*Sales per square foot is based off of total retail selling space **GM% is based off of Ace RSC stocked items only

12

By Operator Type

Avg Retail

Avg Trans Count

Avg Sales/ SQFT

Avg Trans Count/ Day

Avg % to Proforma

Avg GM% (based on Ace Valid SKUS)

Store Count

Avg Year 1 Sales

Hardwa re SQFT

Avg Ticket

Operator Type

BRANCH

210 $1,432,615 10,369 62,078 $144.18 $22.63 174 43.8% 116%

An owner/operator 50 $1,440,299 9,908 61,156 $155.99 $23.51 173 43.4% 121% Involved - operated by Mgr 137 $1,452,518 10,694 62,670 $139.91 $22.64 175 43.7% 115% An absentee owner 21 $1,333,295 9,507 61,704 $148.23 $20.87 170 45.2% 112% NEW INVESTOR 100 $1,139,086 8,970 51,438 $132.58 $22.25 144 42.8% 109% An owner/operator 60 $1,132,391 9,295 51,127 $126.92 $22.51 143 42.9% 105% Involved - operated by Mgr 29 $1,228,605 8,775 55,185 $145.28 $21.99 155 42.1% 123% An absentee owner 11 $939,598 7,713 43,260 $129.94 $21.47 119 43.9% 91%

• There isn’t a correlation between owner involvement and key metrics for branch or new investor stores.

*Sales per square foot is based off of total retail selling space

Stores opened from January 2015 – January 2020

**GM% is based off of Ace RSC stocked items only ***Includes only stores that had this question answered on new store survey

13

By Owner Rating

Avg Retail Hardware SQFT

Avg Trans Count

Avg Sales/ SQFT

Avg Trans Count/ Day

Avg % to Proforma

Avg GM% (based on Ace Valid SKUS)

Store Count

Avg Year 1 Sales

Avg Ticket

Owner Rating

BRANCH

210 $1,432,615 10,369 62,078 $144.18 $22.63 174 43.8% 116% 3 $1,179,694 9,900 47,582 $116.66 $24.05 132 41.5% 113% 21 $1,351,707 10,895 58,459 $129.17 $22.61 163 44.0% 104% 105 $1,430,576 10,452 62,063 $140.64 $22.57 173 44.0% 116% 78 $1,478,109 10,080 64,094 $155.91 $22.68 181 43.6% 121% 100 $1,139,086 8,970 51,438 $132.58 $22.25 144 42.8% 109% 7 $955,695 10,207 47,231 $95.78 $19.91 134 43.4% 72% 14 $963,134 8,599 44,662 $126.36 $21.58 124 43.3% 98% 42 $1,084,803 8,634 51,065 $132.29 $21.52 142 43.1% 105% 37 $1,301,975 9,258 55,222 $142.21 $23.76 155 42.1% 124%

1 - 1.9 (ineffective)

2 - 2.9 (not very effective)

3 - 3.9 (effective) 4+ (very effective) NEW INVESTOR 1 - 1.9 (ineffective)

2 - 2.9 (not very effective)

3 - 3.9 (effective) 4+ (very effective)

• However, there is a positive correlation between more effective owners and performance metrics for both new investor and branch stores. • Particularly for new investors, more effective owners are more likely to meet or exceed proforma. • Owner rating is based on an average of scores from 9 different categories ranked 1-5 by DMs (entrepreneurship, leadership, salesmanship, accounting acumen, customer service, operational efficiency, delegation, time management, people development) – therefore, the specific nature of this score is a better success indicator than operator type which is more broad.

*Sales per square foot is based off of total retail selling space

Stores opened from January 2015 – January 2020

**GM% is based off of Ace RSC stocked items only ***Includes only stores that had this question answered on new store survey

14

By Owner Rating

Stores matured in 2020:

Avg Retail Hardware SQFT

Avg Trans Count

Avg Sales/ SQFT

Avg Trans Count/ Day

Avg % to Proforma

Avg GM% (based on Ace Valid SKUS)

Store Count

Avg Year 1 Sales

Avg Ticket

Owner Rating

BRANCH

40 $1,823,714 10,946 69,670 $158.93 $25.20 194 42.6% 123%

N/A

1 - 1.9 (ineffective)

7 $1,672,518 12,973 66,367 $126.10 $24.63 184 43.0% 104% 19 $1,626,301 9,856 64,965 $165.25 $24.56 180 43.5% 125% 14 $2,167,230 11,412 77,708 $166.75 $26.34 219 41.3% 130% 20 $1,449,725 9,526 54,630 $158.56 $26.69 152 41.7% 123% 2 $1,382,597 15,250 57,166 $89.52 $23.45 158 40.8% 76% 1 $1,268,245 7,000 52,253 $181.18 $24.27 144 45.1% 123% 8 $1,243,579 8,781 51,972 $155.06 $24.50 144 41.9% 115% 9 $1,668,047 9,196 56,694 $174.50 $29.64 158 41.4% 141%

2 - 2.9 (not very effective)

3 - 3.9 (effective) 4+ (very effective) NEW INVESTOR 1 - 1.9 (ineffective)

2 - 2.9 (not very effective)

3 - 3.9 (effective) 4+ (very effective)

• There is a similar positive correlation between more effective owners and performance metrics for both new investor and branch stores maturing in 2020.

*Sales per square foot is based off of total retail selling space

Stores opened from January 2015 – January 2020

**GM% is based off of Ace RSC stocked items only ***Includes only stores that had this question answered on new store survey

15

By Size

Avg Retail Hardware SQFT

Avg Trans Count

Avg Sales/ SQFT

Avg Trans Count/ Day

Avg % to Proforma

Avg GM% (based on Ace Valid SKUS)

Square Footage

Store Count

Avg Year 1 Sales

Avg Ticket

<4,000

6

$928,119 3,459 51,454 $262.28 $17.84 143

48.5% 96%

4,000-4,999

9

$923,887 4,544 47,500 $203.02 $19.05 132

46.2% 113%

5,000-5,999

22

$757,246 5,447 40,957 $139.26 $18.41 114

45.3% 88%

6,000-6,999

22 $1,125,224 6,378 54,730 $173.78 $20.87 154

45.1% 118%

7,000-7,999

32 $1,053,463 7,353 50,174 $143.75 $21.91 140

44.0% 105%

8,000-9,999

72 $1,201,869 8,745 54,846 $138.09 $21.94 154

42.9% 116%

10K-11,999

69 $1,326,394 10,491 57,238 $127.69 $23.50 161

42.8% 111%

12K-14,999

52 $1,705,844 12,686 69,955 $133.50 $23.86 194

42.9% 127%

15K+

26 $2,268,818 19,388 84,513 $113.60 $26.52 235 310 $1,337,928 9,917 58,646 $140.44 $22.50 164

42.1% 123% 44% 114%

Grand Total

• Smaller stores continue to see significantly higher sales/SQFT and avg gross margin

*Sales per square foot is based off of total retail selling space

Stores opened from January 2015 – January 2020

**GM% is based off of Ace RSC stocked items only

16

By Density Class

Avg Retail Hardware SQFT

Avg Trans Count

Avg Sales/ SQFT

Avg Trans Count/ Day

Avg % to Proforma

Avg GM% (based on Ace Valid SKUs)

Store Count

Avg Year 1 Sales

Avg Ticket

Density Class

Rural

51 $1,403,169 8,976 55,940 $158.82 $24.53 157

43.3% 131%

Suburban

157 $1,407,605 10,626 62,908 $135.39 $21.73 175

43.4% 111%

Suburban Fringe

83 $1,172,904 9,812 51,439 $123.93 $23.13 145

42.6% 112%

Urban

15 $1,233,822 7,569 59,244 $177.23 $20.39 166

48.1% 92%

Hyper-Urban

4 $1,585,937 5,100 73,173 $309.07 $22.08 202

51.2% 97%

Grand Total

310 $1,337,928 9,917 58,646 $140.44 $22.50 164

44% 114%

• While Suburban is the most common location for our new stores, Urban and Hyper-Urban stores perform better across the majority of metrics (note: urban and hyper-urban sample size is much smaller)

• Urban and Hyper-Urban stores are a smaller store footprint on average, which typically generate higher sales/sq ft.

*Sales per square foot is based off of total retail selling space

Stores opened from January 2015 – January 2020

**GM% is based off of Ace RSC stocked items only

17

By Density Class

Stores matured in 2020:

Avg Retail Hardware SQFT

Avg Trans Count

Avg Sales/ SQFT

Avg Trans Count/ Day

Avg % to Proforma

Avg GM% (based on Ace Valid SKUs)

Store Count

Avg Year 1 Sales

Avg Ticket

Density Class

Rural

12 $1,637,041 10,742 55,686 $152.04 $28.47 155

42.3% 126%

Suburban

34 $1,952,685 10,878 76,699 $175.25 $24.35 213

42.4% 128%

Suburban Fringe

14 $1,136,234 9,258 43,099 $124.65 $26.59 121

42.2% 109%

Grand Total

60 $1,699,051 10,473 64,657 $158.80 $25.70 180

42.3% 123%

• Among stores maturing in 2020, Suburban locations had the strongest sales/sq ft driven by strong annual transactions despite having the lowest average ticket.

*Sales per square foot is based off of total retail selling space

Stores opened from January 2015 – January 2020

**GM% is based off of Ace RSC stocked items only

18

By Competition Level

Avg Retail Hardware SQFT

Avg Trans Count

Avg Sales/ SQFT

Avg Trans Count/ Day

Avg % to Proforma

Avg GM% (based on Ace Valid SKUs)

Store Count

Avg Year 1 Sales

Avg Ticket

Comp Level

High Comp

91 $1,417,190 10,093 61,162 $138.92 $22.30 171

43.2% 106%

Low Comp

219 $1,304,993 9,844 57,601 $141.07 $22.59 161

43.6% 117%

Grand Total

310 $1,337,928 9,917 58,646 $140.44 $22.50 164

44% 114%

• Stores with Low Comp slightly outperform those with High Comp in terms of Sales/SQFT and % to Proforma

• High Comp means the Ace store has 1 Big Box store within a 3-mile radius or 2 Big Boxes with a 5-mile radius • Low Comp means any other stores than those in the High Comp category

*Sales per square foot is based off of total retail selling space

Stores opened from January 2014 – January 2019

**GM% is based off of Ace RSC stocked items only

19

By Competition Level

Stores matured in 2020:

Avg Retail Hardware SQFT

Avg Trans Count

Avg Sales/ SQFT

Avg Trans Count/ Day

Avg % to Proforma

Avg GM% (based on Ace Valid SKUs)

Store Count

Avg Year 1 Sales

Avg Ticket

Comp Level

High Comp

32 $1,787,879 11,145 70,100 $157.05 $24.66 195

42.1% 119%

Low Comp

28 $1,597,533 9,705 58,436 $160.81 $26.87 163

42.6% 128%

Grand Total

60 $1,699,051 10,473 64,657 $158.80 $25.70 180

42.3% 123%

• Although performance is stronger among stores maturing in 2020, low comp stores slightly outperform high comp stores.

• High Comp means the Ace store has 1 Big Box store within a 3-mile radius or 2 Big Boxes with a 5-mile radius • Low Comp means any other stores than those in the High Comp category

*Sales per square foot is based off of total retail selling space

Stores opened from January 2014 – January 2019

**GM% is based off of Ace RSC stocked items only

20

By Transaction Count

Inactive Store Count

Avg Retail Hardware SQFT

Avg Trans Count

Avg Sales/ SQFT

Avg Trans Count/ Day

Avg % to Proforma

Avg GM% (based on Ace Valid SKUS)

Transaction Count / Day

Store Count

Avg Year 1 Sales

Avg Ticket

3

<= 100

49

$636,441

7,702 29,179 $88.31 $21.81

82

43.4%

73%

0

101-125

59

$918,926

9,090 40,532 $108.81 $22.66

114

42.7%

92%

0

126-150

56

$1,069,182

9,655 48,323 $120.41 $22.09

137

43.5%

105%

1

151-175

39

$1,326,955

10,524 57,851 $138.70 $22.97

163

42.3%

117%

0

176-200

34

$1,480,511

10,703 67,314 $148.40 $21.96

187

43.7%

127%

0

201-225

25

$1,661,931

10,512 76,661 $171.04 $21.74

214

44.6%

136%

0

226-250

17

$2,025,472

10,124 85,589 $224.19 $23.81

240

44.3%

156%

0

>250

31

$2,948,754

13,248 120,537 $242.08 $23.96

334

44.7%

176%

Grand Total

310

4

$1,337,928

9,917 58,646 $140.44 $22.50

164

44%

114%

• A rule of thumb being used in the field is at least 150 transactions per day are required to maintain a successful business during a store’s first year • As the data indicates above, stores who have an average of less than 150 transactions per day tend to do worse in most metrics • As transaction count increases, attrition decreases

*Sales per square foot is based off of total retail selling space

Stores opened from January 2015 – January 2020

**GM% is based off of Ace RSC stocked items only

21

By Price Level

Avg Retail Hardware SQFT

Avg Trans Count

Avg Sales/ SQFT

Avg Trans Count/ Day

Avg % to Proforma

Avg GM% (based on Ace Valid SKUS)

Pricing Format

Store Count

Avg Year 1 Sales

Avg Ticket

Ace Retail

95 $1,223,838 9,872 56,662 $133.92 $21.67 159

41.3% 114%

Level 1

167 $1,365,109 10,239 58,775 $135.97 $22.82 165

43.8% 114%

Level 2

44 $1,516,047 8,730 64,509 $176.73 $23.00 179

47.0% 112%

Grand Total

310 $1,337,928 9,917 58,646 $140.44 $22.50 164

44% 114%

• As pricing level increases, stores are able to obtain a higher level on most key metrics.

• Stores at Level 2 pricing are smaller stores on average, which typically generate higher average sales/sq ft.

*Sales per square foot is based off of total retail selling space *GM% is based off of Ace RSC stocked items only *Price Level was determined from Ace-housed data obtained at store activation. Pricing level for stores with differing pricing levels by department is based on the pricing level most prominent among the departments.

22

By Price Level

Stores matured in 2020

Avg Retail Hardware SQFT

Avg Trans Count

Avg Sales/ SQFT

Avg Trans Count/ Day

Avg % to Proforma

Avg GM% (based on Ace Valid SKUS)

Pricing Format

Store Count

Avg Year 1 Sales

Avg Ticket

Ace Retail

21 $1,333,070 9,929 55,560 $142.74 $24.07 154

40.2% 112%

Level 1

29 $1,814,097 10,737 63,681 $157.17 $27.27 178

42.8% 130%

Level 2

10 $2,133,980 10,849 86,591 $197.29 $24.55 240

45.5% 126%

Grand Total

60 $1,699,051 10,473 64,657 $158.80 $25.70 180

42.3% 123%

• The trend remains the same for stores maturing in 2020.

• While fewer stores (10) are at Level 2 pricing, these stores achieve the highest avg sales/sq ft, avg daily transaction counts and GM% versus stores at Level 1 or Ace Retail.

*Sales per square foot is based off of total retail selling space *GM% is based off of Ace RSC stocked items only *Price Level was determined from Ace-housed data obtained at store activation. Pricing level for stores with differing pricing levels by department is based on the pricing level most prominent among the departments.

23

Competitive Level by Price Level

Avg Retail Hardware SQFT

Avg Trans Count

Avg Sales/ SQFT

Avg Trans Count/ Day

Avg % to Proforma

Avg GM% (based on Ace Valid SKUS)

Pricing Format

Store Count

Avg Year 1 Sales

Avg Ticket

Ace Retail

26 $1,152,461 9,367 53,978 $129.53 $21.67 151

40.3% 102%

High Comp

Level 1

48 $1,591,240 10,942 64,712 $140.27 $23.52 181

43.5% 115%

Level 2

16 $1,392,073 9,046 64,688 $154.48 $20.02 181

46.8% 92%

Ace Retail

69 $1,250,733 10,062 57,673 $135.58 $21.67 162

41.7% 118%

Low Comp

Level 1

119 $1,273,896 9,955 56,380 $134.23 $22.54 158

43.9% 114%

Level 2

28 $1,586,890 8,549 64,407 $189.44 $24.70 178

47.0% 124%

Grand Total 310 $1,337,928 9,917 58,646 $140.44 $22.50 164

44% 114%

• High comp stores at Level 2 pricing has a lower average ticket than Level 1 or Ace Retail.

• As expected, gross margin increases as pricing levels increase.

*Sales per square foot is based off of total retail selling space *GM% is based off of Ace RSC stocked items only *Price Level was determined from Ace-housed data obtained at store activation. Pricing level for stores with differing pricing levels by department is based on the pricing level most prominent among the departments. High Comp means the Ace store has 1 Big Box store within a 3-mile radius or 2 Big Boxes with a 5-mile radius Low Comp means any other stores than those in the High Comp category

24

Competitive Level by Price Level

Stores matured in 2020

Avg Retail Hardware SQFT

Avg Trans Count

Avg Sales/ SQFT

Avg Trans Count/ Day

Avg % to Proforma

Avg GM% (based on Ace Valid SKUS)

Pricing Format

Store Count

Avg Year 1 Sales

Avg Ticket

Ace Retail

12 $1,252,506 10,391 55,365 $131.63 $22.75 153

39.8% 104%

High Comp

Level 1

14 $2,129,491 11,733 74,064 $163.99 $27.70 207

42.1% 137%

Level 2

6 $2,061,530 11,279 90,321 $191.72 $21.39 250

46.6% 106%

Ace Retail

9 $1,440,488 9,313 55,819 $157.55 $25.82 155

40.7% 123%

Low Comp

Level 1

15 $1,519,728 9,807 53,990 $150.80 $26.86 151

43.4% 123%

Level 2

4 $2,242,656 10,205 80,995 $205.64 $29.29 226

43.9% 156%

Grand Total 60 $1,699,051 10,473 64,657 $158.80 $25.70 180

42.3% 123%

• Among stores maturing in 2020, stores at Level 2 pricing also have a lower average ticket than stores at Level 1 or Ace Retail pricing level.

25 • However, stores both in low comp and high comp markets at Level 2 pricing generate higher average daily transactions than stores at other pricing levels. *Sales per square foot is based off of total retail selling space *GM% is based off of Ace RSC stocked items only *Price Level was determined from Ace-housed data obtained at store activation. Pricing level for stores with differing pricing levels by department is based on the pricing level most prominent among the departments. High Comp means the Ace store has 1 Big Box store within a 3-mile radius or 2 Big Boxes with a 5-mile radius Low Comp means any other stores than those in the High Comp category

Investor Type By Price Level

Stores matured in 2020

Avg Retail Hardware SQFT

Avg Trans Count

Avg Sales/ SQFT

Avg Trans Count/ Day

Avg % to Proforma

Median % to Proforma

Avg GM% (based on Ace Valid SKUS)

Pricing Format

Store Count

Avg Year 1 Sales

Avg Ticket

Branch 40 $1,823,714 10,946 69,670 $158.93 $25.20 194

42.6% 123% 111%

Ace Retail

15 $1,254,976 9,689 51,349 $132.73 $24.46 142

40.0% 107% 100%

Level 1

15 $2,185,609 12,268 76,711 $159.55 $26.36 216

43.2% 138% 128%

Level 2

10 $2,133,980 10,849 86,591 $197.29 $24.55 240

45.5% 126% 98%

New Investor

20 $1,449,725 9,526 54,630 $158.56 $26.69 152

41.7% 123% 106%

Ace Retail

6 $1,528,304 10,527 66,087 $167.75 $23.08 183

40.5% 126% 119%

Level 1

14 $1,416,048 9,096 49,720 $154.62 $28.24 138

42.3% 122% 104%

• Stores at Level 2 pricing among those maturing in 2020 are all branches. • While New Investors on Level 1 pricing generated a higher average ticket, stores at Ace Retail generated a higher average sales/sq ft and average daily transaction count. *Sales per square foot is based off of total retail selling space *GM% is based off of Ace RSC stocked items only *Price Level was determined from Ace-housed data obtained at store activation. Pricing level for stores with differing pricing levels by department is based on the pricing level most prominent among the departments.

26

By Best Brands @ Year 1

Stores matured in 2020:

Avg Retail Hardware SQFT

Avg Trans Count

Avg Sales/ SQFT Avg Ticket

Best Brand Participation

Store Count

Avg Year 1 Sales

Avg Trans Count/ Day

Avg % to Proforma

Avg GM% (based on Ace Valid SKUS)

10-11 best brands 52 $1,825,511 10,709 67,993 $167.80 $26.26

189

42.0%

129%

8-9 best brands

8 $877,061

8,939

42,969 $100.32 $22.00

120

44.0%

84%

Grand Total

60 $1,699,051 10,473 64,657 $158.80 $25.70 180

42.3% 123%

• Consistent growth amongst most metrics as stores carry more best brands

• 11 Best Brands include Stihl, EGO, Milwaukee, Toro, Yeti, Scotts, Benjamin Moore, Craftsman, Big Green Egg, Traeger and Weber.

*Sales per square foot is based off of total retail selling space *GM% is based off of Ace RSC stocked items only

27

First 3 Years Overall Performance

Year 1

Year 2

Year 3

Avg Sales

$1,257,722 $1,454,235 $1,631,525

Avg Trans Count

58,155

64,253

69,178

Avg Sales/SQFT

$135.44

$159.01

$178.16

Avg Ticket

$21.41

$22.46

$23.41

Sales Growth

n/a

16%

12%

• Sales per square foot increases at a rapid rate • On average, all other metrics achieve growth in a store’s first 3 years • 176 stores included in sample

*Sales per square foot is based off of total retail selling space

Stores opened from January 2015 – January 2018 (176 stores)

28

Year 2 By Format

Year 2 Average Performance

Year 2 vs Year 1 Avg Growth

Store Count

Trans Count

Sales/ SQFT

Avg Ticket

Trans Count

Avg Trans

Format

Sales

Sales

Convenience

31

$997,858 51,228 $209.86 $19.32 19.2% 13.2% 4.4%

Core

107 $1,371,768 62,110 $151.83 $22.12 17.8% 11.5% 5.1%

Super

38 $2,058,751 80,912 $137.76 $26.00 10.4% 7.0% 4.8%

176

Grand Total

$1,454,235 64,253 $159.01

$22.46

15.6% 10.5% 4.9%

• In year 2, productivity rises significantly for all formats • Similar trend to year 1 – Super stores achieve the highest sales, transaction count and average transaction – Convenience stores are the most productive in terms of Sales/SQFT

*Sales per square foot is based off of total retail selling space

Stores opened from January 2015 – January 2018 (176 stores)

29

Year 3 By Format

Year 3 Average Performance

Year 3 vs Year 2 Avg Growth

Store Count

Trans Count

Sales/ SQFT

Avg Ticket

Trans Count

Avg Ticket

Format

Sales

Sales

Convenience

31 $1,124,490 54,935 $236.63 $20.20 12.7% 7.2% 4.5%

Core

107 $1,541,410 66,993 $169.62 $23.06 12.4% 7.9% 4.3%

Super

38 $2,298,903 86,953 $154.48 $27.01 11.7% 7.5% 3.9%

176

Grand Total

$1,631,525 69,178 $178.16 $23.41 12.2% 7.7% 4.2%

• All formats continue to see productivity increases from year 2 to year 3 – All formats experience an increase in both average ticket and transaction count versus year 2. • By the end of year 3, convenience format stores continue to be the most productive over other formats in terms of Sales/SQFT

*Sales per square foot is based off of total retail selling space

Stores opened from January 2015 – January 2018 (176 stores)

30

Year 2 By Density

Year 2 Average Performance

Year 2 vs Year 1 Avg Growth

Store Count

Trans Count

Sales/ SQFT

Avg Ticket

Trans Count

Avg Ticket

Density Class

Sales

Sales

Hyper-Urban

3 $1,705,914 89,754 $360.04 $19.19 22.7% 19.5% 2.7%

Urban

13 $1,595,738 71,742 $234.90 $21.69 37.1% 24.0% 6.6%

Suburban

89 $1,453,186 66,219 $143.42 $21.73 13.4% 9.7% 3.9%

Suburban Fringe

45 $1,324,838 57,375 $139.28 $23.04 14.6% 8.7% 5.5%

Rural

26 $1,581,991 62,740 $185.40 $24.75 14.3% 8.1% 6.5%

176

Grand Total

$1,454,235 64,253 $159.01

$22.46

15.6% 10.5% 4.9%

• Hyper-Urban (only 3 stores) and Urban stores continue to be the most productive and achieve the largest growth in sales & transaction count compared to stores in other locations • These strong sales growth percentages by density remain relatively consistent to previous years analyses

*Sales per square foot is based off of total retail selling space

Stores opened from January 2015 – January 2018 (176 stores)

31

Year 3 By Density

Year 3 Average Performance

Year 3 vs Year 2 Avg Growth

Store Count

Trans Count

Sales/ SQFT

Avg Ticket

Trans Count

Avg Ticket

Density Class

Sales

Sales

Hyper-Urban

3 $1,968,399 99,743 $416.71 $19.94 15.4% 11.1% 3.9%

Urban

13 $1,656,862 76,771 $248.46 $21.50 3.8% 7.0% -0.9%

Suburban

89 $1,659,544 71,657 $163.43 $22.80 14.2% 8.2% 4.9%

Suburban Fringe

45 $1,480,833 61,686 $156.79 $24.00 11.8% 7.5% 4.2%

Rural

26 $1,744,888 66,338 $202.87 $25.84 10.3% 5.7% 4.4%

176

Grand Total

$1,631,525 69,178 $178.16 $23.41 12.2% 7.7% 4.2%

• In year 3, Hyper-Urban and Urban stores continue to outperform all other density classes in most metrics. • While Urban stores have the strongest growth in Year 2, these stores have the slowest growth in Year 3.

*Sales per square foot is based off of total retail selling space

Stores opened from January 2015 – January 2018 (176 stores)

32

Year 2 By Investor Type

Year 2 Average Performance

Year 2 vs Year 1 Avg Growth

Store Count

Trans Count

Sales/ SQFT

Avg Ticket

Trans Count

Avg Ticket

Investor Type

Sales

Sales

Branch

119 $1,533,219 67,032 $161.99 $22.78 12.6% 8.5% 4.6%

New Investor

57 $1,289,338 58,450 $152.80 $21.80 24.0% 15.6% 5.6%

176 $1,454,235 64,253 $159.01

Grand Total

$22.46

15.6% 10.5% 4.9%

• In year 2, Branch store are more productive the New Investor stores, however, New Investor store growth metrics were higher.

*Sales per square foot is based off of total retail selling space

Stores opened from January 2015 – January 2018 (176 stores)

33

Year 3 By Investor Type

Year 3 Average Performance

Year 3 vs Year 2 Avg Growth

Store Count

Trans Count

Sales/ SQFT

Avg Ticket

Trans Count

Avg Ticket

Investor Type

Sales

Sales

Branch

119 $1,734,431 72,289 $183.44 $23.86 13.1% 7.8% 4.7%

New Investor

57 $1,416,685 62,685 $167.12 $22.49 9.9% 7.2% 3.2%

176 $1,631,525 69,178 $178.16 $23.41 12.2% 7.7% 4.2%

Grand Total

• In year 3, Branch store growth exceeds New Investor growth across all metrics

*Sales per square foot is based off of total retail selling space

Stores opened from January 2015 – January 2018 (176 stores)

34

Sales to Proforma Trend

% of Stores performing 90% of Proforma or greater (First year sales to date at end of quarter)

90.0%

80.0%

70.0%

60.0%

50.0%

40.0%

30.0%

20.0%

10.0%

0.0%

=>90% Sales to Proforma

Goal - 65%

• This chart represents the amount of stores that are performing at 90% or greater of Proforma during any given quarter • The increase in sales from the pandemic drove the percent of stores performing at 90%+ of proforma to record levels.

* Percentages are based on counts of stores achieving 90%+ vs total stores currently in year 1 for each quarter

35

Sales to Proforma Trend

% of Stores performing below 90% of Proforma (First year sales to date at end of quarter)

60.0%

50.0%

40.0%

30.0%

20.0%

10.0%

0.0%

Q1 2012 Q3 2012 Q1 2013 Q3 2013 Q1 2014 Q3 2014 Q1 2015 Q3 2015 Q1 2016 Q3 2016 Q1 2017 Q3 2017 Q1 2018 Q3 2018 Q1 2019 Q3 2019 Q1 2020 Q3 2020 Q1 2021

<90% Sales to Proforma

Goal - 25%

• This chart represents the amount of stores that are performing below 90% of Proforma during any given quarter • The percent of stores performing below 90% of proforma plummeted at the start of the pandemic.

* Percentages based on counts of stores below 90% vs total stores currently in year 1 for each quarter

36

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