Convert Your Store  
to Ace Hardware

Your legacy starts here. Learn more about converting  
your existing hardware store to Ace.

Why Ace Hardware?

Opening an Ace store provides you with an  
opportunity that is unlike other suppliers.

Globally Known, Locally Trusted

Benefit from the purchasing power and recognition of a global brand while operating a store that is uniquely yours.

Flexibility to Make it Yours

You’re able to customize your store to fit  the needs of your market. No two Ace  stores are alike!

Tools to Succeed

Ace provides you with all the tools  and training to prepare you and your  employees for ongoing success.

Conversion Results

When converting your existing store to an Ace Hardware, you’re not only joining
a family with strong core values and ethics but also building your business with
SOLID RESULTS YOU CAN COUNT ON.

+8.7%

Retail Sales

+2.5%

Gross Margin Percentage

+2.5%

Gross Profit Dollars

Sample size = 81 stores. Data indicates what average conversion metric
percentages are for a typical Ace conversion. Rolling 5 Year average.

Retailer Benefits and Incentives

We set you up for success when you convert your store to Ace Hardware.
Incentives vary by store format/size and are based on Discovery recommended
products and quantities. Our incentives are given as a credit, not as cash or a loan.

Upfront incentives that make it easier to take the first step

Additional product assortment incentive opportunities

FREE labor to bin-tag the entire store, so you can open faster

FREE Ace Paint/Clark & Kensington opening stock order

5 Easy Phases for Conversion Success

This guide will take you through five critical phases. These phases will  
not only provide structure to your learning and tasks but also  
prepare you for Grand Opening and beyond.

Phase 1

Joining Ace

Today - Pre-Active Store Number

Goal: Joining Ace

Review Your Conversion Capitalization Sheet

Finalize Application for Approval

Pre-Active Store Number is Received

Phase 2

POS Data Conversion

6-8 Week Process from Pre-Active Store Number to Store Activation.

Goal: Timeline Set & Ace Primary in POS

Orders Placed

Items ring correctly at POS

Skus Bin Tagged on Floor for Phase 3

Week One Training is completed leads to Phase 3

Phase 3

Operations/Exit Strategy

Est 12 Week Process post POS Conversion leading into  your Store Project.

Goal: Operations & Product Strategy

Product Exit Strategy

Ace Operational Training

Marketing

Store Setup Agreement Signed leads to Phase 4

Phase 4

Project Phase

Est 16-20 Weeks from Activation  your Store Project begins.

Goal: Transform

New Product Mix

Updated Store Layout and Décor

Marketing Campaigns

Customers see the change

Project Sign Off leads to YOUR GRAND OPENING

Phase 5

Ace Grand Opening & Beyond

Ongoing Goals Post Project

Goal: Higher Ground

Grand Opening

W.O.W. Customer First

Higher Ground

Living the Helpful Promise

An Award-Winning Brand

There’s a reason Ace is one of the most popular franchise opportunities. It’s built for local owners who want to be the helpful place in town, backed by a trusted brand and a system designed to support real community impact

14 Years

Net New Store Growth in a Row

$10B

Total Revenue

947+

New Stores in the Last 5 Years

Entrepreneur's Franchise 500

Ranked #4 on Entrepreneur’s Franchise 500®, #1 in Category for Fifth Straight Year. Surpassing Expansion Goals with 180 Domestic New Stores Last Year, Ace Hardware Cements Its Place as a Global Leader in Community-Driven Retail Cooperatives.

Forbes

Ranked #1 In Category on Forbes Best Customer Service List. Ace Hardware placed in top 5% of 3,000 eligible brands in the 2026 ranking from Forbes.

Franchise Times

Ace Hardware is the worlds largest retailer owned hardware cooperative. While it often feels like a franchise model because most locations are independently owned and operated, Ace is officially structured as a retailers cooperative.

How We Compete

It takes something special to succeed in the hardware business.  
Ace can compete with big box stores because we execute 3 important imperatives.

Service

At Ace we must fulfill the promise to be helpful. It is our weapon in the world. Knowledgeable associates and the entrepreneurial spirit of our owners is what makes Ace the place!

Convenience

Ace stores can be found in your neighborhood and provide a quick, in-and-out shopping experience with fast checkout.

Quality

With top brands like Craftsman, Weber, and Stihl, Ace stores offer the best brands in home improvement.

Success Stories from Our Retailers

When you open an Ace Hardware store, you’re not just joining a
brand, you’re joining a community of successful local owners.

Don’t just take our word for it. Watch the videos below to hear from current
retailers as they share how converting to Ace shaped their journey and helped
them build a legacy for the next generation.

Ace is The Place for...

Veterans

As a benefit for prospective Ace retailers who are also U.S. Veterans, Ace Hardware will waive its $5,000 application fee for those who qualify*

*Owner must have a DD214 and own  at least 25% of the business

The Coolest Stores

Only a select few Ace Stores receive this coveted recognition annually, based on how well the store differentiates its offerings, services, and culture to meet the needs of the community.

Women in Retail

Ace supports women-owned franchises. Ace Women in Retail allows retailers to participate in a group that shares ideas, hosts  guest speakers, and network  with fellow retailers.

Heartware Stories

At Ace, we exist to help others. We tell our stories of helpful in this mini documentary series.

Watch Now

Ready to Solidify Your Family Legacy?

Tell us about yourself by filling out our form and our
team will reach out to talk with you!

Convert Your Store to Ace Hardware