South Salem’s neighborhood hardware store, Ace Hardware, turned 20 this September and turned the celebration into a month‑long community festival. A white banner on the store’s side reads, “Thank you Salem! 20 years. One amazing community,” setting the tone for a series of daily events that showcase the store’s long‑standing ties to the area.
Family‑like staff anchor the celebration
Lead cashier Robyn Clutts, who helped open the store two decades ago, says the longevity of the staff is a point of pride. “When people start here, they stay,” she explains, noting that many employees have been with the store for most of its existence. Garden buyer Donna Davidson is approaching her 17th “Ace‑aversary,” and assistant manager Kim Martin has logged eight years. Their dedication reflects the store’s cooperative model, which allows each Ace location to develop its own character.
Daily events bring neighbors together
Every day in September, the store offers something new—from local vendor pop‑ups to raffles, scavenger hunts and a rotating menu of food, including popcorn, pizza and smash‑burger tacos. On September 12, a garden party featured jalapeño poppers, art from local artisans and a festive atmosphere that drew longtime friends of the store.
Giving back remains a core value
The hardware store’s commitment to service extends beyond sales. In November, customers donated more than $11,000, which funded over 900 sets of pajamas for foster children, shelters and schools in Marion, Polk and Yamhill counties. A new plant‑sale fundraiser for OHSU Doernbecher Children’s Hospital is also underway, underscoring the store’s ongoing charitable focus.
Specialty sections set the store apart
Customers repeatedly praise the store’s nuts‑and‑bolts aisle as the best selection in town. The Stihl chainsaw and outdoor‑power section, launched in December 2017, has grown “in leaps and bounds,” according to Clutts. Technician Brent Holmes, who has been with the Stihl department since its inception, notes that the shop handles professional repairs for timber cutters from as far as Coos Bay and Bend.
Gift shop and garden center become community hubs
The gift shop, now a popular Christmas shopping destination, showcases cards and goods from Oregon artists and Pacific Northwest makers. The garden center, which saw a surge in interest during the COVID‑19 pandemic, continues to expand, while the barbecue section has evolved into another niche offering for local cooks.
Owner’s quiet leadership
Store owner Matt Haddad receives heartfelt appreciation from the staff. A cardboard cutout of his likeness stands beside the large “20” at the entrance, a reminder of his behind‑the‑scenes support. Employees recount numerous instances where Haddad stepped in to help community members in need, never seeking public recognition.
Looking ahead
Clutts reflects on two decades of service with gratitude, describing the workplace as more than a job—it’s a family. “I came in to open the store and 20 years later, I’m still here,” she says. “I’m proud to say I work here. It’s not just a job, it’s a family.” The celebration continues through the end of the month, reinforcing the store’s role as a cornerstone of South Salem life.
Original reporting: Salem Reporter — read the source article.
