Open an Ace
Hardware Store

Your roadmap to Ace Hardware ownership starts here. Learn more
about owning a globally known and locally trusted brand.

Qualifications

How much does it cost to open an Ace Hardware store? Opening an Ace store
typically requires a minimum investment of $350,000 to $2+ million depending  
on location, store size, and inventory needs. Ace also requires an initial  
franchise fee and working capital.

$350,000

Minimum Liquid Capital

$700,000

Minimum Net Worth

$603,850 - $2,001,550+

Total Investment
(estimated based on store size)

Why Ace Hardware?

Opening an Ace store provides you with an opportunity that is unlike other
franchises. Ace Hardware is owned by its retailers. So instead of paying royalty
fees, you become an owner of Ace Hardware and operate your own store.

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.

Retailer Benefits

No Ongoing Franchise Fees

No Royalty Fees

$362M in patronage distributions in 2025

FREE opening stock order for new stores!*

(*Incentive amount varies by store size and is based on Discovery recommended products. Incentive is given as credit, not as cash or a loan.)

6 Easy Steps to Owning an Ace Store!

Ready to take the next step toward ownership? Explore the process  
for opening an Ace Hardware store and see how Ace supports
you from planning to opening day and beyond.

1 Interest

Submit your information via the  form on our site
Schedule an introductory call with one of our Business Development Managers (BDM)

2 Preview & Qualification

Topics your BDM will discuss:

Ace Values and Culture
Ace Convention
Financial requirements

3 Market Research

Our team will help you with:

Market Identification
Site Selection
Pro Forma Planning

4 New Store Application

Franchise Disclosure Document (FDD)

5 Store Development

Store Planning
Opening Stock Order
Store Set Up

6 Store Opening

Open Your Store
Grand Opening Event
Celebrate!

Ongoing Support & Training

The Ace Team of 3 is here to help you through every step of Ace ownership. Ace has all the tools and training necessary to prepare you and your employees for ongoing success from the very beginning.

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 becoming part of a community of successful entrepreneurs.

Don't just take our word for it. Watch the videos below of current retailers who share their journey of Ace ownership and how they secured a generational legacy.

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 Build a Better Future?

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

Open an Ace Hardware Store