RANTOUL — Niemann Foods has announced that its Price Cutter location at 1201 E. Grove Ave. in Rantoul is set to become an expanded Ace Hardware store.
The grocery store will begin an immediate sell-down of inventory in light of the upcoming change.
“We are excited about the opportunity to reinvest in this location and bring a new retail concept to Rantoul,” said Gerry Kettler, consumer affairs director for Niemann Foods. “We recognize that communities and the way people shop continue to evolve. This redevelopment gives us an opportunity to respond to those changes while continuing our commitment to Rantoul. We look forward to welcoming customers to the new Ace store.”
The existing Niemann Ace Hardware location at 1223 E. Grove Ave., just east of Price Cutter, will continue to operate until the redevelopment of the grocery store is complete in spring 2027, Niemann Foods officials said.
“The redevelopment represents an investment in Rantoul and will transform the existing location into a diverse retail destination featuring hardware, appliances, furniture, extensive pet supplies, and some farm and ranch needs,” the company stated in a social-media announcement Tuesday morning.
The Price Cutter in Rantoul was previously a County Market; it was rebranded and downsized in fall 2025.
Before County Market, the building was home to an IGA.
Mayor Sam Hall III posted on Facebook that he was “disappointed” by the store’s announcement and concerned about the potential impact on employees, as well as east-side residents who rely on the location for “convenient access to groceries.”
“For some time, I have been concerned about the possibility of Rantoul losing this grocery option,” Hall said. “Because of that, staff had already begun reaching out and exploring opportunities to bring additional grocery options to the east side of our community. Those conversations have started, and today’s announcement makes that work even more urgent.”
The village also lost its Rural King store in January 2025.
