Retail Remix Podcast | From Loyalty Data to Retail Media: Molly Hjelm’s Playbook for RedVest
Retail media has quickly become one of retail’s most important growth engines, but Ace Hardware is taking a different approach. One that’s built around local ownership, community relevance and real-world customer needs.
In this episode of Retail Remix, Kate Robertson speaks with Molly Hjelm, CVP of RedVest Media, Ace Hardware’s retail media network, about launching a full-funnel RMN in just six months and what makes the co-op retailer uniquely positioned in the space. Molly shares how Ace is leveraging its network of 5,200 independently owned stores, 70 million loyalty members and deep first-party data to create measurable advertising solutions. She also explains how weather-triggered media, retailer-focused advertising tools and localized customer insights are helping brands connect with shoppers at exactly the right moment.
Key Takeaways
- How Ace Hardware launched RedVest Media in just six months by focusing on measurable, full-funnel advertising solutions
- Why Ace’s co-op structure creates unique opportunities (and challenges) for retail media innovation
- How weather-triggered advertising helps brands align messaging with real-time customer needs, from snowstorms to hurricane season
- What makes Retailer Reach, Ace’s retailer-focused advertising platform, different from traditional retail media offerings
- Why first-party data, in-store relationships and local relevance remain critical as retail media evolves alongside AI and changing consumer behavior
Related Links
- Learn how RedVest Media helps brands reach Ace Hardware customers through localized, data-driven retail media.
- Learn more about Ace Hardware and its community-focused retail model
- Get more retail industry insights from Retail TouchPoints
- Subscribe and catch up on all episodes of Retail Remix