Traditional hardware chains like Ace and True Value have lost market share to large national chains like Lowe$$s and Home Depot $($such large retailers also offer a full line of home and garden equipment and accessories$).$ Because of the purchasing power of the national chains, it is difficult for Ace and True Value $($or similar specialty hardware stores$)$ to attain $\_\_\_\_\_\_\_.$

Focused cost leadership

Synergy

Core competencies

Parity on cost