Acme Tools, not to be confused with the fictional ACME of "Looney Tunes" fame, has a rich history dating back to its founding year in 1948. Originating as a small electric motor repair shop in North Dakota, Acme Tools has grown into a prominent online and brick-and-mortar enterprise. The name "Acme" symbolizes perfection or the highest point, reflecting the company's commitment to quality.
Although Acme Tools has physical stores in North Dakota, Minnesota, and Iowa, it made a significant leap into the digital realm by establishing an e-commerce platform in 1999. Prior to its online presence, Acme Tools operated a successful mail-order business. Today, the company boasts a vast catalog of over 95,000 items and expanded its offerings in 2013 with the introduction of Acme Equipment.
Despite its considerable growth, Acme Tools remains a family-owned and operated business dedicated to providing essential tools for homeowners. While the company does not manufacture its own tools, it offers a wide range of products from renowned brands like DEWALT and Milwaukee Tool, catering to the diverse needs of its customers.
Is Acme Tools owned by Amazon?
There are rumors circulating about the ownership of Acme Tools, with some speculating that the company is owned by Amazon. However, these claims are unfounded, as Acme Tools remains an independent entity with a long-standing reputation in the tool and equipment industry. While Amazon is a major player in the e-commerce market, Acme Tools has carved its own path as a reliable source for quality tools and equipment, serving customers both online and in-store.
When Acme Tools ventured into the world of mail-order catalogs back in 1985, it operated under the name Tool Crib of the North. This name transitioned to its pioneering online tool and equipment catalog in 1999. Despite being a family-owned business, Acme Tools sold its online presence, Tool Crib, to Amazon in the same year, under a non-compete agreement.
After the non-compete clause expired in 2010, Acme Tools relaunched its online platform, acmetools.com. Vice president of merchandise operations and marketing, Paul Kuhlman, emphasized the importance of meeting the growing demand for online shopping.
Contrary to popular belief, Acme Tools is not under Amazon's ownership. Whether you shop on their website or visit their physical stores, you are supporting a business that has been serving customers since the 1940s. You can even request a full-color product catalog from their website.
Source: Digital Commerce 360
Acme Tools didn't start as a massive online retailer with 10 physical stores in the Midwest. It began in a small 30-square-foot motor shop in Grand Forks. However, over the years, the company has grown significantly, now offering a wide range of tools, equipment, and accessories to customers. Even after four generations, the business remains in the family name.
The success and expansion of Acme Tools can be attributed to their focus on customer service and satisfaction. According to Steve Kuhlman, the vice president of corporate operations at Acme Tools, the company's growth over 70 years is a result of their dedication to providing exceptional service to customers. This commitment to customer care has been a guiding principle since the company's inception and continues to be a core value in both their physical stores and digital platform.
Even though Acme Tools has expanded far beyond its original location in Grand Forks, it has never truly left. The company was recognized in 2020 with the Grand Forks Region Economic Development Corporation's Klaus Thiessen Impact Award. This award, as reported by the Grand Forks Herald, is given to individuals or businesses that contribute to positive growth in the region. With a history that spans decades, there is much to learn about Acme Tools and plenty of compelling reasons to purchase products from them.
