Lori’s Ace Now in Surf City: Your New Hub for Island Projects & Prep
SURF CITY, NC — Something exciting is happening on the island. Just in time for spring projects, storm prep, and vacation season, Lori’s Ace Home & Hardware has officially opened its doors in Surf City—and it's already becoming a local favorite.
Located at 14021 NC Highway 50, Lori’s Ace Hardware brings the trusted reliability of the national Ace brand together with the heart and service of a locally owned business. Co-owners Lori Tracy Stobbe and Nate Stobbe, who relocated from Minnesota to North Carolina in 2022, opened their first store in Fayetteville in early 2023 and followed it with the launch of the Surf City location in March 2025.
“We’re excited to bring convenience and superior service to the individuals, families, and businesses in Surf City, Topsail Island, and the surrounding communities,” said Lori Tracy Stobbe, president and co-owner.
Everything You Need, Right Over the Bridge From hurricane preparedness to backyard barbecues, Lori’s Ace is stocked with everything coastal homeowners, vacationers, and contractors need:
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Lawn & garden tools and live plants
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Paint & painting supplies
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Beach gear & outdoor furniture
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Marine & fishing supplies
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Hardware, electrical, plumbing & tools
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Cleaning, pool, and birding supplies
Top-name brands are proudly on display, including Stihl, Yeti, Traeger, Milwaukee, Ego, Weber, Big Green Egg, and Benjamin Moore.
Services with a Smile What sets Lori's Ace apart isn’t just its product selection—it’s the wide range of helpful in-store services, including:
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Paint color matching
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Key cutting
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Propane refill & exchange
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Glass and acrylic sheet cutting
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Rope, chain, and wire cutting
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Power tool and Stihl equipment repair
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Screen repair
Friendly, knowledgeable staff are always on hand to help you find the right part, match your paint swatch, or load heavy items into your vehicle. As one Yelp reviewer wrote, "This is my go-to store for hardware, gardening, and other home improvement items. It is a large store, with an even larger parking lot."
Island Living, Simplified The opening of Lori’s Ace Hardware has filled a much-needed gap on Topsail Island. Residents no longer have to drive off-island to find hurricane supplies, fix a leaky faucet, or restock birdseed. It’s quickly becoming a trusted stop for everything from vacation-home maintenance to last-minute grilling supplies.
Local residents and businesses are taking notice. One neighboring business owner shared on Facebook, “Personally I am extremely happy with Lori’s...” —a sentiment echoed by the dozens of shoppers who showed up for the store's grand opening celebration April 11–13, 2025.
More Than a Store In true Ace fashion, Lori’s isn’t just a place to shop—it’s a place to connect. With community-first values and helpful service at the core of their mission, the Stobbes have made it clear: Lori’s Ace Hardware is here to support Surf City, Topsail Island, and its coastal neighbors, one helpful project at a time.
More Than the Basics Beyond the essentials, Lori’s Ace Hardware stocks an impressive variety of products tailored to coastal and island living. The lawn and garden section includes everything from potting soil, fertilizer, and pine straw to planters, sprayers, and pest control. Customers can browse patio furniture, fire pits, citronella candles, and tiki torches—perfect for outdoor entertaining.
Inside the store, shoppers will find a robust paint department featuring Benjamin Moore products and supplies, grilling gear including Big Green Egg and Traeger grills, plus a deep lineup of Milwaukee and DeWalt tools for any DIY job. There's also a selection of marine and boating accessories, Yeti coolers and drinkware, beach umbrellas, and outdoor storage bins. For pet lovers and nature watchers, there’s a wide range of wild bird seed, feeders, and pet care items.
Prepared for Anything As a coastal community, Surf City residents know the importance of being prepared. Lori’s Ace offers an entire section dedicated to storm readiness and hurricane prep—featuring tarps, gas cans, flashlights, batteries, and generators. The store also carries seasonal décor, holiday lights, screen repair kits, propane tanks, and even automotive products like jumper cables and tire inflators. Whether you're managing a rental home, maintaining your beach cottage, or gearing up for summer guests, Lori’s Ace makes it convenient and enjoyable to find what you need—right here on the island.
Lori's Ace Home & Hardware – Surf City
14021 NC Highway 50, Surf City, NC 28445
(910) 338‑1488
Mon–Sat 8 AM–7 PM | Sun 10 AM–5 PM
Website: acehardware.com
Facebook: @LorisAceHardwareTopsail
Author's Note: Welcome to the island, Lori’s Ace. We’re glad you’re here !!!
About the Author
Written by J.L. Wells, a longtime Topsail Island resident with firsthand experience exploring the island’s beaches, restaurants, local businesses, coastal activities, and community events throughout the year. Drawing on lived local knowledge, J.L. Wells reports on local happenings and provides practical insight to help readers understand what Topsail Island offers visitors and residents alike.