Hardware store chain opens SWFL store No. 12 — with a drive-thru

Sunshine Ace Hardware has fixed itself another store, No. 12 for the company in Southwest Florida. The new location, a 20,455-square-foot retail store at Founders Square in north Naples, includes the company’s first-ever drive-thru window, for commercial and residential customers picking up online orders. 

The new store features distinct commercial paint, grilling and a fishing department, as well as a wide selection of power and hand tools, hardware, lawn and garden supplies, plumbing fixtures, BBQ grills and accessories, propane, gifts, and supplies for DIYers, according to a statement. Sunshine Ace President Michael Wynn’s grandfather founded the original Sunshine Ace in 1958 in downtown Naples. 

“This year marks 65 years since my grandfather opened the first Sunshine Ace Hardware, and I can’t think of a better way to reaffirm our commitment to Southwest Florida than by opening a new store,” Wynn says in the statement. “Collier County’s residential and commercial growth is heading east of I-75, and we look forward to welcoming all the contractors, business owners and homeowners who no longer have to drive into town to buy a can of paint, tools or a new grill.” 

Sunshine Ace Hardware will anchor The Founders Square Plaza, a retail strip within the Founders Square development, which also includes restaurants, retail shops, medical offices and luxury residences. 

The drive-thru window is a unique add-on, say company officials. “During the pandemic, many loyal Sunshine Ace customers discovered the ease of online ordering and curbside pickup,” Wynn said. “Although our friendly associates are happy to see familiar faces and strike up a conversation inside the store, ‘convenience shopping’ has become very popular. It’s online shopping, but you don’t have to wait a few days or weeks for delivery — you just swing by the store on your way home from work or dinner.” 

The Founders Square store, located at 8850 Founders Square Drive, Suite 235, is led by Store Manager Maide Mendez. The store is currently hiring additional full- and part-time positions. SunshineAce.com/careers.