As your local Ace Hardware, our store is a member of the largest retailer-owned hardware cooperative in the industry. Ace Hardware began as a small chain of stores in 1924 and has grown to include more than 4,600 stores in 50 states and more than 70 countries.As part of a cooperative, every Ace Hardware store is independently owned. From neighborhood hardware stores to lumberyards to super-size home centers, each Ace Hardware is unique and tailored to meet the needs of its local community. We are all committed to being "the Helpful Place" by offering our customers knowledgeable advice, helpful service and quality products. As the helpful hardware folks in your community, we promise that, "helping you is the most important thing we have to do today." The original Askew's Hardware store was opened in the spring of 1943 at 1101 Pollock Street in New Bern, NC. opened the store when he purchased a property that housed a general merchandise store. He operated it as a hardware store until 1952 when his son, Milton H. joined the firm and expanded to include building supplies. In 1959 the old structure was demolished and a new two story brick building was erected. Askew's also expanded to a new location in Jacksonville, NC in 1960. Like the New Bern area, Askew's continued to grow and it became apparent they would need expanded facilities. In January 1972, a new location on Hwy. 17 S. in New Bern was acquired and a new, 100,000 square foot facility was opened in 1973. (Rick) Askew, III came on board in 1973 and would eventually take over operations in New Bern. The company was successful through three locations in New Bern and Jacksonville. Askew's joined the ACE Hardware Cooperative in 1974. This partnership allowed Askew's to thrive and to become a New Bern institution since 1942.
