What is the cost of an Ace Hardware franchise?
Ava Robinson
Published Mar 19, 2026
Ace Hardware has the franchise fee of up to $5,000, with total initial investment range of $31,557 to $149,398.
Where was the first Ace Hardware store?
Chicago, Illinois, United States
Ace Hardware/Place founded
When did Ace Hardware start franchising?
1924
About Ace Hardware
| Franchise Details: | ||
|---|---|---|
| Founded: | 1924 | Franchising Since: |
| Corporate Office: | 2200 Kensington Ct. Oak Brook, IL 60523 | |
| Industries: | Retail, Hardware, Home Improvement, Flooring |
How much does an Ace Hardware franchise owner make?
How much do Ace Hardware Franchise owners make? The manager-owners of Ace Hardware Franchise stores reportedly average $83,553 per year, and some make as much as $95,251.
How much does it cost to stock a hardware store?
According to Haka, inventory typically costs from $50 to $60 per square foot. That means a 10,000-foot store (the industry average is 9,500 feet) would cost $500,000 to $600,000 for inventory alone.
Is Ace Hardware owned by Lowe’s?
Ace Hardware is linked to Lowe’s pending purchase of Canadian home improvement company RONA, and the U.S. co-op plans to partner with Lowe’s as the big box expands in Canada. And just like our agreement with RONA, Lowe’s will now be the big-box retailer—and Ace is a great place for the local, independent entrepreneur.
Who bought out Ace Hardware?
After the retirement of longtime president and founder Richard Hesse in 1973, Ace was sold to its retailers, becoming a retailer-owned cooperative. It first reached $1 billion in wholesale sales in 1985 and $5 billion in 2015. As of 2019, it has over 5,200 locations in 60 countries.
Is Ace Hardware a good franchise?
Ace Hardware Ranked Among the Top Franchise Elite in Entrepreneur’s 2019 Annual Franchise 500® 1 in its category on the Franchise 500® ranking.
What’s the best business to start?
If you’re ready to run your own business, consider any of these great business ideas.
- Online teaching.
- Online bookkeeping.
- Medical courier service.
- App developer.
- Transcription service.
- Professional organizer.
- Cleaning service.
- Freelance copywriter. Source: Prostock-Studio / Getty Images.
How do I run a successful hardware store?
10 Secrets of Running a Profitable Hardware Store
- Create a Niche. What kind of niche can you market to in your store?
- Customize.
- Serve the Community.
- Stay in Season.
- Keep It Pinteresting.
- Reward Your Customers.
- Offer Convenience.
- Update Your Technology.
Who is cheaper Lowes or Home Depot?
On our more general shopping list, 11 products were cheaper at Lowe’s, with average savings of just over 13 percent. Home Depot undercut Lowe’s on only 9 items, by an average of just over 9 percent.
Is Ace Hardware a good company?
Ace Hardware Corporation has been recognized as one of the Best and Brightest Companies to Work For in the Nation by the National Association of Business Resources. Ace Hardware was named one of the top 101 highest-scoring companies in the country.