ACE hardware stores are independently owned. My wife went to high school with a guy who's father owns 5-6 of them within a 50-70 mile radius. There are 3 locally, all owned by different people, none are exactly alike.
Walmart has been trying to get out of the outdoors gear business for a while now, at least in many of their stores. They don't sell enough to be profitable in many places and the shelf space can be used for more profitable items. Both of ours still sell guns, ammo, and other outdoor gear, but both have remodeled in the last few months and the outdoor sections are much smaller. It really depends on the location. We've had 2 Cabelas, a BPS, and an Academy Sports open within 35-40 miles. That has hurt outdoor gear sales in all the Walmarts in this area.
Another factor is that Toys R Us closed. Walmarts toy sales have seen a huge increase in sales since. They are making more room for toys.
