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Ace Hardware operators Joe and Kathryn Donahue are opening their newest store next month in Mankato, Mn.
The Donahues purchased their first location in Faribault, Mn., in 2002, bought the former Arrow Hardware in Owatonna, Mn., in 2023, and acquired the shuttered Northfield Ace Hardware in Northfield, Mn., in 2024.
They expect to open the new store by March 11, with a grand opening set for early days of May. The hardware store will occupy the front 10,000 sq. ft. of a 19,000-sq. ft. building that debuted as a Woolworth’s in 1968 and last housed a Joann Fabrics, until it closed early last year.
The Donahues anticipate a staff of 12 to 15 employees.
They had also been considering the former Arrow Ace Hardware in St. Peter, Mn., which closed about a year ago, but decided on Mankato due to its larger population. They are leaving the door open for possible expansion into St. Peter, but for now hope the Mankato store will be able to draw customers from St. Peter.
