TRUE VALUE COMPANY BOOSTS WHOLESALE BUSINESS WITH ADDITION OF FAMILY FARM & HOME

October 15, 2013

Multi-store chain based in western Michigan becomes new affiliate member of cooperative

CHICAGO, Oct. 15, 2013 – True Value Company expanded its wholesale customer base with the addition of its newest affiliate member, Family Farm & Home. Headquartered in Muskegon, Mich., with a warehouse in Grand Rapids, Mich., the chain brings its wholesale buying for 27 existing stores in Michigan and Indiana to the co-op, effective Nov. 1.

“The addition of Family Farm & Home to our affiliate program increases the buying power of the co-op, and we are looking forward to growing along with them,” said True Value President and Chief Executive Officer, John Hartmann.

Since the Fansler family opened the first Family Farm & Home store in 2002, the company has grown by leaps and bounds, opening more than two dozen stores across Michigan and two in neighboring Indiana. Plans for the family-owned business include a continued focus on organic growth from their current operations, while exploring new growth opportunities with additional locations. A new store is set to open in Cadillac, Mich., before the end of November 2013.

“We chose True Value Company as our wholesaler for the co-op’s solid financial position, hardware product selection, logistics and support, and True Value’s increasingly popular farm, ranch, automotive and pet category,” said Tim Fansler, vice president of merchandising, for Family Farm & Home.

As an affiliate member, Family Farm & Home will take advantage of True Value’s merchandising expertise and distribution network to source product. While affiliates operate independently under their own retail identity, Family Farm & Home will enjoy many of the general benefits of co-op membership, including True Value’s wholesale buying power, and an annual patronage dividend.

True Value has seen its sales to affiliate members grow by 4 percent to 6 percent each year for the past several years.

“Both True Value and Family Farm & Home are set for growth, and True Value is the partner we are looking to grow alongside,” Fansler added.

About True Value Company
True Value Company, headquartered in Chicago, is one of the world’s largest retailer-owned hardware cooperatives. The True Value cooperative represents independent retailer locations worldwide with retail sales in their communities totaling approximately $5.5 billion. Store identities include True Value, Grand Rental Station, Taylor Rental, Party Central, Home & Garden Showplace and Induserve Supply. Additional information on True Value Company and its retail identities is available at www.truevaluecompany.com.