Robinsons Ace is Family Owned and operated business.
We have succeeded for over 135 years by focusing on give our customers the
service they deserve. Robinsons was opened in 1874 by John Henry Robinson and
his brother John Holden Robinson. In its early days it was primarily a
general mercantile, what we might call a General Store today.
In 1931 the name was changed to Robinsons Hardware Company.
On Labor Day weekend of 1963, Norm and Marion Underwood took
over ownership of the company. Coinciding with their acquisition of the
company, they added a Tay-Lo Rental Franchise making them one of the very first
franchisees of what would become known as Taylor Rental in 1965. In April 1974
the business moved to their current location, a long vacant former Grant’s
Department store. Also in 1974 son Dirk left a position with Taylor
Rental Corporation to work full-time for his father. He was joined by
brother Kim in 1978. Jeff Underwood joined his father and brothers at the
business in 1982. In 1996 the family also mourned the passing
family matriarch, Marion Underwood.
In 1997 was a busy year for Robinsons. Norm Underwood
turned over control of the business to three brothers who chose to join the Ace
Hardware Cooperative. In 1998 the store underwent a major refurbishment complete,
including major reconstruction of the entrance and exit area, new lighting and
vastly improved merchandising. This renovation, which was encouraged by
Ace, was key to rejuvenating the business.
2000 saw the passing of Norm Underwood.
It seemed as if all of Hudson
mourned the loss.
In 2003 the brothers again expanded the business by adding a
second location in Framingham
and in 2006 added rental at the Framingham store.