The Ace Hardware 2026 Fall Convention in Orlando attracted a record 14,500 attendees, marking a 5.5% increase over the 2023 Orlando event. Industry insiders and participants identified five standout products that could drive sales for independent home improvement retailers.
Personalized Plant Markers with Charitable Impact
The Spirit Stakes collection, produced by a U.S. manufacturer, features laser-engraved wooden plant markers showcasing logos from over 100 colleges and 15 fraternities and sororities. Crafted from sustainably sourced PureBond wood—a trademarked wood product—the stakes come in acrylic or wood finishes, including garden, patio, and specialty designs like cupcake and food-themed toppers. A portion of each purchase supports the affiliated institution or group.
Lindsey Thompson, who evaluated the products, said, “These caught my eye right away, especially since they had an Ohio University stake, my alma mater. The stakes are a fun way to show your team pride, are really well made, and come in a variety of sizes and both indoor and outdoor versions. I especially loved the cupcake and food stakes because they are reusable.”
Eco-Friendly Weed Control Solutions
Montana Gold introduced its hemp mulch mats, an organic alternative to synthetic weed barriers. Made from all-natural materials without microplastics or adhesives, the mats improve moisture retention and weed suppression, giving plants a stronger foundation. The company, presenting at an Ace Convention for the first time, emphasized its environmental benefits over conventional plastic-based options.
Thompson praised the mats’ appeal to organic gardeners.
Read Also: Do it Best expands lumber programs and incentives
Portable Cooling and Emergency Preparedness
The FOAM cooler, constructed entirely from EVA foam, combines the portability of soft coolers with the durability of rigid models. With a 22-quart capacity, it holds drinks, ice, and food for beach trips, while features like a floating serving lid and seat belt handle improve usability. Its lightweight design and buoyancy make it safe for water activities.
Thompson called the cooler’s versatility impressive. “These were so colorful and fun, I couldn’t help stop by. I love how lightweight they are made up entirely of EVA foam, and the floating lid is a great feature. I would love to have one of these out on the boat full of cold drinks,” she said.
For customers focused on emergency readiness, the Midland ER10 emergency alert radio offers compact weather monitoring. This pocket-sized device includes AM/FM stations and NOAA weather alerts, making it ideal for hikers, travelers, or bedside use. Thompson, who identifies as a “weather nerd,” said, “As a self-proclaimed weather nerd, this compact radio is the perfect way to stay alert and weather aware anywhere you are. I would travel with this and it would fit perfectly in my nightstand for those late-night weather alerts. Bonus, you can also use it as a regular radio.”
Custom Balloon Solutions for Events
Anagram Balloons showcased a variety of custom latex balloons for events, including letters, numbers, shapes, and characters. The company highlighted its industry-leading product development and partnerships, positioning hardware stores as a potential new retail channel for festive and party supplies.
Thompson noted, “Not so much a single product but a collection of products, I love the idea of hardware stores carrying helium balloons. I was a big fan of the Dollar Tree balloons, but so many of those stores no longer carry balloons, so I see this filling a large need in many communities.”
