Ace Hardware Corp., the largest hardware retailer-owned cooperative in the United States, announced in Hong Kong Monday the official opening of its first international buying office in Hong Kong.

The new buying office - AGD Asia, Ltd. - will serve as an important base in Asia to facilitate the sourcing and buying of products for the co-op's international retail members, and to react to the demands of international members more quickly, according to the company.

Managing Director of the International Department of Ace, Murray Armstrong, said, "With the rapidly growing demand from our international retailers, it is crucial for us to provide the best and unique products to the different international markets."

Founded in 1924, Ace Hardware's annual retail sales from its more than 4,800 hardware, home center and lumber and building materials retailers top 13 billion US dollars.

Source: Xinhua