Rocky’s Ace Hardware held its grand re-opening Saturday, solidifying the Falcone family’s commitment to downtown Westfield.
“We are thrilled to be part of the revitalization of downtown Westfield,” Rocky’s Vice President Claire Falcone said. “We go back over 40 years in Westfield, starting with our little store on Elm Street.”
Rocky’s Chief Executive Officer Rocco J. Falcone said he started working for the company in the stores managed by his father James, and recalled working in the Westfield store when it was where the current Walgreen’s Pharmacy is located.
“Westfield has been in our heart, and we’ve been watching this city develop,” said Rocco Falcone.
Instead of the traditional ribbon cutting, a board was cut by Falcone using a chainsaw.
‘It’s been five years in the making,” he said of the new store, located just a few hundred feet behind its former location at the corner of Man and Free streets.
The new 12,000 square foot store was constructed using green technology and features state of the art energy-saving lighting and skylights to help enhance the shopping experience while saving energy. The store reflects the new concept of “Re-Discover Rocky’s”, since it is so much more than just a hardware store.
Shoppers will find expanded offerings in the cutting-edge store like the new Clark + Kensington paint line, in addition to a full selection of Benjamin Moore paint products. Also new, is an extensive selection of Craftsman quality lawnmowers, power and hand tools, along with mechanics tools and storage solutions. Landscapers and homeowners alike will appreciate the offering of Stihl brand professional outdoor power tools. Pet owners will be thrilled to shop the expanded area of premium pet food and accessories. Additionally a complete lawn and garden care center and propane filling are present.
“We invite everyone to re-discover Rocky’s,” added Falcone. “We have been known for our exceptional service for over 85 years and our knowledgeable staff in Westfield is on hand to help shoppers through any home related project.”
Mayor Daniel M. Knapik assisted Falcone in cutting the board at the re-opening and said the project reflected a new way of working and developing in the city.
“This is a real team effort and a team approach to government,” said Knapik.
State Sen. Michael R. Knapik offered the Falcones a citation, calling Rocky’s “a great family business.” Sen. Knapik said that there is a $100 million revitalization taking place in Westfield.
“That’s not happening in all communities in western Mass.,” he said, “and it’s causing great families like this to re-invest in Westfield.”
The senator also touted the leadership of local government for helping bring projects like Rocky’s to fruition.
State Rep. Donald Humason also offered a citation and, in addition to thanking the Falcone’s, he thanked the taxpayers who shop there as well as the staff at Rocky’s, who he said are among the best.
Rocky’s Ace Hardware, headquartered in Springfield, operates 33 stores in Massachusetts, Connecticut, New Hampshire, Rhode Island and Florida. The neighborhood paint, hardware, garden center and pet store chain has been in continuous operation, under the same family ownership, since the first store opened in Springfield in 1926.
