One day several years ago, Pam Schwartz’ partner had what she thought was a crazy idea at the time: Downtown should have a hardware store. There was no shortage of restaurants, galleries, realtors and tourist retail establishments, but there were few service-oriented businesses, like a hardware store. After sitting on the idea for a couple of years, Schwartz and her brother Harry Schwartz decided to open Downtown Ace Hardware, last March.

Downtown Ace Hardware has 7,500 square feet of retail space and offers diverse products such as paint, paint sundries, cleaning supplies, kitchen and bath accessories, small appliances, home organization and storage, hand and power tools, electrical and lighting, plumbing, heating and air conditioning, hardware and fasteners, lawn and garden and patio living, automotive and pet supplies. The store has a unique outdoor display area for urban patio living with a product mix that is specific to the needs of urban living.

Among the name brands Downtown Ace Hardware features are Benjamin Moore Paint; Cuisinart, Krups, KitchenAid, OXO, Simple Human, Umbra, Dyson and Interdesign houseware products; Makita, DeWalt and Milwaukee Tool power tools; Moen, Delta and Danze plumbing fixtures and a variety of other premium brands for hardware, garden and electrical needs.

Schwartz served on the San Diego Pride’s Board of Directors and was selected as its co-chair. Schwartz’ goal for San Diego Pride was to expose mainstream San Diego to the annual event, including gaining more participation, sponsorship money and press from them. Schwartz is now using her San Diego Pride experience to servicing Downtown’s hardware needs.