FRANCHISE RESALES

Buy an Ace Hardware Corporation Franchise

Ace Hardware Corporation, founded in 1924 and headquartered in Oak Brook, Illinois, is the largest retailer-owned hardware cooperative in the United States and a leading global hardware retailer. Originally formed by a group of Chicago-area hardware store owners to pool buying power and improve profits, Ace has grown to operate over 5,200 stores in 60 countries as of 2019. The company operates as a cooperative, with independent retailers as shareholders, providing them with purchasing, marketing, and operational support. Ace Hardware is known for its neighborhood hardware stores offering a wide range of products including tools, paint, lawn and garden supplies, and home improvement goods. Its cooperative structure allows member stores to maintain local ownership and community focus while benefiting from national scale and resources.

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Why buy an Ace Hardware Corporation Franchise?

Investing in an Ace Hardware franchise offers the best of both worlds: local business ownership with the backing of a nationally recognized brand and cooperative purchasing strength. Franchisees gain access to extensive resources, marketing support, and a proven business model that has thrived for nearly a century. Ace Hardware’s commitment to community-focused retailing and operational excellence provides franchisees with a resilient, scalable opportunity in a stable and growing industry.

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. Franchisee Support

    Ace Hardware supports its retailer-owners with extensive services including centralized purchasing, marketing programs, training, and operational guidance. The cooperative provides access to 17 distribution centers across the U.S. and international facilities, ensuring efficient supply chain management. Franchisees benefit from proprietary technology systems, advertising campaigns, and business consulting to enhance store performance. Ace also offers training programs for store management and staff, helping franchisees deliver excellent customer service and operational efficiency.

  2. Accolades & Awards

    Ace Hardware is widely recognized as a top hardware retailer and cooperative leader, consistently ranking among the largest retail cooperatives in the U.S. The brand’s strong reputation for customer service, community engagement, and product quality has earned it industry respect. Ace Hardware’s longevity, growth, and cooperative business model have been cited as benchmarks in retail franchising and cooperative success.

  3. Industry / Market

    The hardware and home improvement retail industry continues to expand, driven by steady consumer demand for DIY projects, home renovations, and maintenance. The U.S. market benefits from aging housing stock, increased homeownership, and growing interest in gardening and outdoor living. Ace Hardware’s cooperative model and extensive distribution network position it well to capitalize on these trends. The global hardware market is projected to grow steadily, supported by urbanization and infrastructure development in emerging markets where Ace is expanding.

  4. Ideal Owner

    The ideal Ace Hardware franchisee is an independent retailer or entrepreneur passionate about serving their local community with quality hardware products and personalized service. Owners should value local ownership and customer relationships while leveraging the benefits of a national cooperative. Experience in retail management or hardware sales is advantageous but not mandatory. The cooperative model suits owners seeking autonomy combined with strong corporate support and purchasing power.

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