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Ace Retail Group has named Phillip Dalrymple senior director of merchandising. He will guide product assortment strategy, vendor partnerships and category performance across the retailer’s more than 260 Ace Hardware stores in 18 states.
Ace Retail Group has named Phillip Dalrymple senior director of merchandising, putting him in charge of product assortment strategy, vendor partnerships and category performance across the company’s more than 260 Ace Hardware stores in 18 states. The appointment gives Dalrymple responsibility for merchandising work that shapes what products the stores carry and how the company works with suppliers.
Hardware Retailing reported the appointment on October 21, 2026. Ace Retail Group said Dalrymple will guide its product assortment strategy, vendor relationships and category performance. The announcement did not give a start date or describe any immediate changes to store offerings.
Dalrymple brings more than 15 years of retail merchandising and leadership experience, with experience in category development, private-label programs, product development and omnichannel retail, according to the report. Most recently, he was president of Pnuma Outdoors and Heated Core, where he oversaw profit-and-loss management, budgeting and operational planning for what the report described as a multimillion-dollar premium apparel business.
His earlier leadership roles included positions at Link Snacks Inc., City Lumber & Wholesale, Marolina Outdoor and Cabela’s. Dalrymple earned a bachelor’s degree in business administration from Texas State University. The report identifies his past roles and areas of experience but does not provide dates for those positions or further details about his responsibilities at each company.
Merchandising Across 260-Plus Stores
The appointment places a senior leader over merchandising functions serving a large, multi-state store network. Assortment decisions can affect which products are available to shoppers, while vendor relationships and category management shape how the retailer works with suppliers. Ace Retail Group operates stores in 18 states, making the role relevant to customers and vendors across its footprint.
Dalrymple’s background spans outdoor apparel, lumber and other retail businesses, alongside experience in private label and omnichannel retail. Those credentials are part of the company’s stated basis for the hire, but Ace Retail Group has not announced specific merchandising initiatives tied to his appointment. Any effect on product selection, pricing or online and in-store coordination remains to be seen.
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Dalrymple’s Retail Leadership Background
The appointment follows a career across several businesses and retail categories. Before joining Ace Retail Group, Dalrymple led Pnuma Outdoors and Heated Core as president, with responsibilities that included financial management and operational planning. The report also lists prior leadership work at Link Snacks Inc., City Lumber & Wholesale, Marolina Outdoor and Cabela’s.
Ace Retail Group’s announcement concerns the merchandising leadership of its retail operation, not a reported acquisition, store expansion or product launch. The stated remit covers assortment strategy, supplier partnerships and category performance. Hardware Retailing published the report as industry news on October 21; the source material does not provide additional company figures or a broader strategy announcement.
““Phil knows how to build strong vendor partnerships and turn them into better choices for customers.””
— Laura Byrne-Harris, vice president of merchandising and marketing at Ace Retail Group
Details of the Role’s Next Steps
The announcement does not say when Dalrymple will begin, whether he is replacing another executive, or how the merchandising team will be structured around him. It also does not identify new product categories, supplier agreements, private-label plans or changes to store or online assortments.
Ace Retail Group has not provided targets for category performance or quantified expected effects on sales, customer choices or operations. Byrne-Harris’s comments describe the company’s confidence in Dalrymple, but they are not a forecast of specific results. The available report does not say whether the company plans to issue further details.
Watch for Assortment Updates
The next developments to watch for are any company updates on Dalrymple’s start date, priorities or merchandising plans. The role’s stated responsibilities suggest that future information could concern product assortments, vendor partnerships or category performance across the store network, but no such initiatives have been announced in the source report.
Until Ace Retail Group releases additional details, the confirmed development is the leadership appointment and its broad remit. Any changes shoppers might see in stores or online remain unconfirmed.
Key Questions
Who did Ace Retail Group appoint?
Ace Retail Group named Phillip Dalrymple senior director of merchandising, according to the report published October 21, 2026.
What will Dalrymple oversee?
He will guide product assortment strategy, vendor partnerships and category performance across Ace Retail Group’s more than 260 Ace Hardware stores in 18 states.
What experience does Dalrymple bring?
The report says he has more than 15 years of retail merchandising and leadership experience. Most recently, he served as president of Pnuma Outdoors and Heated Core and previously held leadership roles at several other businesses.
Will the appointment change what Ace stores sell?
The company has not announced specific product or assortment changes. The role covers assortment strategy, but any changes to store or online offerings are not yet confirmed.
When does Dalrymple start?
The source report does not provide a start date or say whether the appointment takes effect immediately.
Source: rss
