Spencer's ACE Hardware celebrates opening of Old Fort store

On Wednesday, May 15, Spencer’s ACE Hardware Old Fort held its grand opening celebration at 106 E. Main St. The new location for the town opened on March 25 but the celebration took place last week. Owner Nancy Spencer welcomed all those who attended the celebration, including representatives from the McDowell Chamber of Commerce, the town of Old Fort, McDowell County, the city of Marion and other local agencies. Spencer talked about her family members who are instrumental in getting this done. They are son Ryan, daughter Sonni and daughter Jessi. The Spencer family, including children and grandchildren, have worked at the business. Spencer and her employees were joined by McDowell Chamber of Commerce President Kim Effler, Commission Vice Chairman Tony Brown, County Manager Ashley Wooten, Old Fort Mayor Pro Tem Iretha Hancock, Alderman and Police Chief Melvin Lytle, Alderman Jamie Grindstaff, Alderman and former Mayor Wayne Stafford, Alderwoman Erin Adams and Chamber Board Chair Danielle Stilwell. These local officials helped Spencer cut the ribbon for the new location. The celebration featured local pit master from Home Place Vittles, who cooked some delicious recipes on Traeger and Blackstone grills. Customers could sample a wide array of smoked meats and some desserts. The Old Fort store has a lot of new spices that were on display. Spencer’s ACE Hardware Old Fort is located within the former BB&T bank building, which was transformed with a 6,500-square-foot addition. This brings the store to a total of 9,500 square feet and it has 10 employees. The Old Fort location has a small-engine repair and a full Stihl mechanic. It pumps propane and is a completely stocked hardware shop with a complete lawn and garden department. The Old Fort location is the second store to Spencer's ACE Hardware in Marion, which has been in business for more than 40 years.