Amesbranded

Amesbranded is a term used to describe products or services that bear the brand or company name of the department stores Ames or Mill Supply. The Ames Corporation was a chain of department stores operating in the Midwestern United States from 1958 to 2003. Located primarily in the states of Iowa, Nebraska, and South Dakota, the stores offered a wide range of products including toys, clothing, household items, and tool and hardware supplies.

One of the notable features of Amesbranded products is that aside from being sold in the physical Ames stores, they were also made available at various other retailers, DIY stores and hardware suppliers. Ames products were known for their high quality, affordability and simplicity. The company's Tool brand, known for offering general-purpose tools and hardware at affordable prices, became especially well-known among budget-conscious tool users and hardware do-it-yourselfers. In addition to hardware and tool supply, Amesbranded products were sold under an assortment of labels and sub-brands that primarily intended to appeal to general consumer markets.

The Ames Corporation filed for bankruptcy in 2003 due to increased competition and financial difficulties. With the closure of the stores and their subsequent liquidation, many of the Amesbranded products lost market visibility as sales ceased directly through the retail channels. Nevertheless, amidstephemeral websites and apparel companies, the signature brand is still remembered and is a nostalgic staple from their coverage of regional, hardware anchor store communities.