u/Grade-Classic

Post:

Hey everyone — hoping someone here can point me in the right direction.

We're a wholesale company that sells trending 
novelty and impulse products — silicone squishies, fidget toys, 
novelty candy, and similar high-turn impulse items. We currently 
supply a number of independent Ace dealers through Faire and the 
sell-through has been solid.

We're trying to figure out the best path to scaling this within the 
Ace network — whether that's going through corporate buying, the 
Ace Hardware RSC (Retail Support Center) vendor process, or working 
directly with more dealers who are open to impulse/novelty sections.

A few questions for anyone with buying, merchandising, or vendor 
experience inside the Ace world:

1. Is there a formal vendor submission process through Ace corporate 
   and is it worth pursuing for impulse/novelty categories?

2. Do individual Ace dealers have full autonomy to buy outside of 
   corporate-approved vendors, or is there pressure to stick to the 
   approved list?

3. Has anyone seen novelty/impulse sections perform well in Ace 
   locations — near checkout, seasonal displays, etc.?

4. Is there a buyer's market, trade show, or Ace dealer event where 
   vendor conversations happen organically?

We'll be at the Sweets & Snacks Show in Las Vegas in May (Booth 
#4624) if any dealers or buyers happen to be around.

Any insight appreciated — happy to answer questions about our 
product line too.