Ace Hardware

Ace Hardware Corporation is the world’s largest retailer-owned hardware cooperative, with a legacy spanning over a century.

1. Company Overview: Founded in 1924, Ace Hardware operates as a cooperative, empowering independent entrepreneurs to own and operate local hardware stores while benefiting from the scale and resources of a national brand. The company’s unique business model allows store owners to become shareholders, fostering a strong sense of community and shared success.

2. Scale and Reach: Headquartered in Oak Brook, Illinois, Ace Hardware supports a network of over 5,000 stores across the United States and more than 70 countries worldwide. The cooperative’s footprint continues to grow, with 100 new stores opened in 2025 alone and a robust pipeline for further expansion. Ace Hardware’s stores are locally owned, ensuring tailored service and deep community engagement.

3. Store Concepts and Innovation: Ace Hardware is investing $1 billion in its 'Elevate Ace' experiential store format, aiming to remodel 1,900 stores over five years. The Elevate concept introduces immersive, brand-focused spaces and community-centric features, enhancing the customer experience and driving traffic. The company also offers traditional neighborhood hardware stores and larger format stores under banners like Westlake Ace Hardware and Great Lakes Ace Hardware.

4. Franchise and Ownership: As a cooperative, Ace Hardware enables entrepreneurs to join its network through a franchise-like model, providing access to supply chain efficiencies, marketing support, and proprietary brands. The company’s structure ensures that profits are returned to store owners, aligning incentives for growth and service excellence.

5. Industry Position and Financials: Ace Hardware operates in the retail home improvement and hardware sector, reporting annual revenues of $8.6 billion and employing approximately 5,583 people. The company’s continued investment in technology, services, and store formats positions it as a leader in the evolving retail landscape, with a focus on both DIY and professional customers.