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Ace Hardware has deployed an AI feature called “Hey ARMA” across its brick-and-mortar stores, aiming to provide on-demand expertise for shoppers through tools used by store associates. The company rolled out the updated AI capability in February 2026 as part of ARMA (ACE Retailer Mobile Assistant), a long-standing handheld device used on the sales floor.
According to the company, Hey ARMA has handled more than 55,000 associate queries across more than 2,300 stores since its launch.
The AI update was added to ARMA, which store associates use during day-to-day customer interactions. Ace Hardware said the feature has been used widely across its footprint, which includes more than 5,200 locations.
In describing the initiative, Ace Hardware emphasized its brand promise of being “the most helpful store on the planet.” The company said being helpful requires more than friendliness, and instead depends on the ability to answer customer questions that can involve a wide range of product and pricing details.
By equipping associates with AI-enabled support through Hey ARMA, Ace Hardware is seeking to improve how quickly and accurately stores can respond to customer needs. The reported scale of usage—55,000-plus queries across 2,300-plus stores—suggests the tool is being integrated into frontline workflows.
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