Opens in a new tab

FRANCHISE RESALES

Buy an Ace Hardware Corporation Franchise

Ace Hardware Corporation is the world’s largest hardware cooperative, founded in 1924 by a group of Chicago hardware store owners who joined forces to pool buying power and improve margins. Headquartered in Oak Brook, Illinois, Ace operates as a retailer-owned cooperative: member stores are shareholder-owners who receive patronage dividends rather than paying ongoing royalties or franchise fees.

Ace stores carry tools, paint, lawn and garden supplies, and home improvement products, stocking national brands including Craftsman, Weber, and STIHL alongside the cooperative’s own Clark+Kensington paint line. Neighborhood convenience and knowledgeable staff are the brand’s core differentiators against big-box competitors, serving local homeowners and DIY customers.

The cooperative network spans more than 6,000 retail stores in approximately 60 countries, posting record system revenues of $10 billion in 2025. Member stores are supported through an expansive US distribution network and centralized marketing, technology, and operational resources. The brand opened 180 new US stores in 2025, reflecting consistent system-wide growth.

Latest Resales

  • There are currently no Ace Hardware Corporation resales available
Register your interest

Why buy an Ace Hardware Corporation Franchise?

To buy an Ace Hardware Corporation franchise is to join a retailer-owned cooperative with no ongoing royalties or franchise fees; earnings are returned through annual patronage dividends instead. The brand’s collective buying power and US distribution network give individual store owners access to pricing and product range that would be hard to achieve independently, with top national brands including Craftsman, Weber, and STIHL, plus Ace’s own Clark+Kensington paint line.

The brand’s customer service reputation is a meaningful competitive asset, rated No. 1 by Forbes in the home improvement category for 2026. Ace opened 180 new US stores in 2025 and has grown net store count for 13 consecutive years. Buyers weighing a new store versus an existing Ace unit should consider the brand equity, established customer base, and cooperative membership that a resale delivers from day one.

Ace Hardware Corporation Franchise Costs & Information

Based on 2024 data reported in the 2025 FDD

  • Brand Profile

    • Year Founded

      1924

    • Franchising Since

      1973

    • New Startup Cost

      $603,850 – $2,001,550

    • Avg. Resale Price

      Contact us for details

  • Franchise Fees

    • Initial franchise Fee

      $5,000

      for new territories

    • Transfer Fee

      N/A

      No transfer fee specified in FDD

    • Royalty Fee

      0%

      of Gross Revenue

    • Marketing Fee

      2%

      of Gross Revenue

  • Unit Performance

    • Total Units *

      5144

    • New Units Opened *

      210

    • Units Transferred *

      112

    • Avg. Unit revenue *

      Varies by Store Type

    * Based on 2024 data reported in the 2025 FDD

Ace Hardware Corporation – Additional  Information

  1. Training & Support

    Ace Hardware's New Owner Learning Plan covers 16 to 18 weeks before soft opening, including a five-day Center of Excellence training at a Pinnacle Retailer, 30-plus live classroom sessions, and on-demand courses through the Ace Learning Place online portal. A dedicated Professional Retail Services (PRS) Consultant coaches new owners from membership approval through the first-year anniversary, with biweekly check-ins from a District Manager and Project Manager. Ongoing field management and operational consulting continue post-opening. Resale buyers should confirm what training and Ace Learning Place access transfers to incoming owners.

  2. Ideal Owner

    Ace Hardware suits retail-experienced operators who are comfortable managing store staff, engaging with the local community, and running a neighborhood retail business day-to-day. Prior hardware or home improvement experience is advantageous but not required; Ace actively supports conversions from existing independent hardware retailers. Owners should be community-focused and comfortable with inventory management, vendor relationships, and in-store service standards. The model suits hands-on operators; store performance depends on owner engagement, staff training, and the quality of local customer relationships.

  3. Recognition & Awards

    Ace Hardware has earned significant franchise and retail recognition. On Entrepreneur magazine's 2026 Franchise 500, Ace ranked No. 4 overall (its highest-ever position) and No. 1 in the Miscellaneous Retail Businesses category for the fifth consecutive year. Forbes ranked Ace No. 1 for Best Customer Service in the home improvement category for 2026. Franchise Times lists Ace as the fifth largest franchise globally. These recognitions reflect a mature, well-supported cooperative system with consistent network growth.

  4. Industry / Market

    The US home improvement products market is a large, consistent category driven by homeowner maintenance, repair, and renovation spending. According to the Home Improvement Research Institute, the US market is forecast to reach around $688 billion by 2029, with an average annual growth rate of 4% from 2026 to 2029. Demand is underpinned by aging housing stock, sustained homeowner investment in upkeep, and a DIY culture that held firm through recent economic headwinds. For resale buyers, the category provides relatively stable recurring demand from local homeowners.

Learn more about
how to own a Ace Hardware Corporation franchise resale

Please fill out the form below and a Franchise Flippers expert will be in touch with you shortly.

The Franchise Brand Index

This page is part of Franchise Flippers’ independent franchise Index, designed as an educational resource to help potential buyers explore the franchise resale market and compare brands.

Trademark & Affiliation Disclaimer

This website is an independent, informational resource. All trademarks, logos, and brand names displayed are the property of their respective owners and are used solely for identification and educational purposes. Their use does not imply any affiliation with, endorsement by, or sponsorship from the respective trademark holders.