Ace Hardware’s Bold Step into Retail Media
Ace Hardware recently announced the launch of RedVest Media, The Helpful Network—a retail media network designed to give brands new ways to connect with shoppers both in-store and online. This marks a major move for the hardware cooperative as it enters one of the fastest-growing segments of advertising: Retail Media Networks (RMNs).
With RedVest Media, Ace Hardware now offers:
- Onsite Advertising: Sponsored product listings, search placements, and display ads on digital storefronts.
- In-Store Integration: Opportunities for brands to appear on screens, signage, and other physical touchpoints within Ace Hardware stores.
- Omnichannel Reach: Messaging that goes beyond the store environment with digital campaigns, video, mobile, and Connected TV (CTV).
- Direct Shopper Engagement: Campaigns tied into its large loyalty base, offering brands a way to reach repeat customers with relevant messages.
- Measurable Results: Dashboards and reporting tools to monitor campaign performance and prove return on investment.
By combining in-store visibility with digital advertising, Ace Hardware is giving its vendor partners a flexible way to reach shoppers at multiple touchpoints in their buying journey.
Why Retail Media Networks Matter
Retail media networks are one of the most powerful tools emerging in modern marketing. They:
- Give retailers a new revenue stream by offering ad space and promotions.
- Provide brands with first-party shopper insights to target more effectively.
- Blend digital convenience with physical shopping experiences—something especially powerful for retailers with large store footprints.
- Create opportunities for localized engagement, allowing national campaigns to be tailored for specific communities.
RedVest Media is part of a broader retail trend: merging content, commerce, and advertising into a seamless customer experience.
How It’s Relevant TV Helps Retailers Do Even More
While RedVest is a strong move for Ace Hardware, many retailers—big and small—are wondering how they can launch similar networks with less complexity. That’s where It’s Relevant TV comes in.
1. Built-In In-Store Engagement
It’s Relevant TV transforms business TV screens into content and ad delivery channels, mixing engaging licensed programming with a retailer’s own promotions. This means customers are entertained while also being exposed to relevant brand messaging. You don’t need to have an entire library of your own content to get started. And it’s not just about ads.
2. Seamless Omnichannel Campaigns
Just like RedVest aims to blend in-store with digital, It’s Relevant TV makes it easy to connect on-screen ads with digital calls-to-action. QR codes, social media prompts, and promotional overlays turn any screen into an interactive marketing tool.
3. Local and National Flexibility
Retailers can run corporate campaigns across all locations while also enabling store-specific promotions. This flexibility makes it ideal for chains, franchises, or co-op retailers who want both consistency and customization.
4. Actionable Data & Tracking
With performance tracking, retailers see exactly how their in-store ads perform—including engagement with QR codes, social promotions, and customer behavior.
5. Speed to Market
Unlike building a retail media network from scratch, It’s Relevant TV is ready to deploy immediately. Retailers can launch campaigns quickly and expand as needed, without long development timelines.
The Bigger Picture
Ace Hardware’s RedVest Media shows just how valuable retail media networks can be in today’s market. But retailers of all sizes can take advantage of this trend.
It’s Relevant TV gives retailers of all sizes the ability to create their own retail media channel—instantly. By combining entertainment, in-store advertising, and digital connectivity, It’s Relevant TV helps businesses:
- Drive new revenue streams
- Strengthen brand loyalty
- Deliver personalized, relevant experiences to shoppers
- Make a better experience for all of your visitors
With It’s Relevant TV, businesses don’t just keep pace with leaders like Ace Hardware—they can actually go beyond, offering more engaging, more flexible, and more immediate solutions for both shoppers and brands.