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Retail
Hardware

Ace Hardware Franchise FDD, Costs & Fees (2026)

Ace Hardware is a trusted neighborhood hardware store franchise offering a wide range of tools, supplies, and expert advice for DIY enthusiasts.

KEY FRANCHISE STATS

Franchisees

?

4982
+
5%
5%
Franchise fee

?

$5,000
Investment

?

$140,000 - $2,019,000
Revenue (AUV)

?

Undisclosed

$3,476,000

+
n.a.
n.a.
Sign up

Ace Hardware is a leading hardware retailer, renowned for its wide range of home improvement products and personalized customer service. Founded in 1924 by a group of Chicago hardware store owners, Ace Hardware has grown into the largest retailer-owned hardware cooperative in the world. 

The company’s headquarters is located in Oak Brook, Illinois, and it began franchising in 1976.  Ace Hardware differentiates itself from big box competitors through its unique business model and community-focused approach. 

Unlike typical franchises, Ace operates as a cooperative, meaning that store owners are also shareholders in the company. This model allows Ace Hardware to harness collective buying power while maintaining the feel of a locally owned, neighborhood store.

Ace Hardware stores offer a variety of high-quality products, including hardware, paint, lawn and garden supplies, tools, and other home improvement items. The company prides itself on carrying top brands like Craftsman, Weber, and STIHL.

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Initial investment

The initial investment required for a Ace Hardware franchise is $140,000 - $2,019,000. That is the total cost you would need to finance if you were to start this franchise. These costs are provided by the franchisor in the Franchise Disclosure Document.

Ace Hardware offers 2 options:

Type of Store Initial Investment Range
Start-Up Business - Leased Premises$611,928 to $2,018,550
Conversion Store$139,600 to $1,286,000


The investment information below is based on the estimated initial investment for a Start-Up Business - Leased Premises.

For more information on the costs required to start an Ace Hardware franchise, refer to the Franchise Disclosure Document (Item 7).


Type of Expenditure Amount
Affiliation Fee$5,000
Capital Stock Subscription$5,000
Initial Brand Assessment$6,000 to $12,000
Local Lift Max Assessment$6,500 to $48,100
Exterior Signage$10,000 to $30,000
Store Planning, Interior Décor, Consolidated Fixtures, Furniture and Other Fixtures$102,750 to $200,850
Store Set Up Labor$48,000 to $160,000
Equipment$91,100 to $138,100
Rent - First 3 Months’ Rent and Security Deposit$21,000 to $107,000
Prepaid Expenses - Dues, Permits, Subscriptions, Utilities and Other Prepaid Expenses$3,000 to $15,000
Opening Inventory$210,000 to $1,000,000
Initial Supplies$3,000 to $7,500
Insurance$10,000 to $40,000
New Investor Retail Training$0 to $45,000
Additional Funds - Working Capital for the First 90 Days$90,578 to $205,000
Total Estimated Initial Investment$611,928 to $2,018,550

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Ace Hardware offers 2 options:

Type of Store Initial Investment Range
Start-Up Business - Leased Premises$611,928 to $2,018,550
Conversion Store$139,600 to $1,286,000


The investment information below is based on the estimated initial investment for a Start-Up Business - Leased Premises.

For more information on the costs required to start an Ace Hardware franchise, refer to the Franchise Disclosure Document (Item 7).


Type of Expenditure Amount
Affiliation Fee$5,000
Capital Stock Subscription$5,000
Initial Brand Assessment$6,000 to $12,000
Local Lift Max Assessment$6,500 to $48,100
Exterior Signage$10,000 to $30,000
Store Planning, Interior Décor, Consolidated Fixtures, Furniture and Other Fixtures$102,750 to $200,850
Store Set Up Labor$48,000 to $160,000
Equipment$91,100 to $138,100
Rent - First 3 Months’ Rent and Security Deposit$21,000 to $107,000
Prepaid Expenses - Dues, Permits, Subscriptions, Utilities and Other Prepaid Expenses$3,000 to $15,000
Opening Inventory$210,000 to $1,000,000
Initial Supplies$3,000 to $7,500
Insurance$10,000 to $40,000
New Investor Retail Training$0 to $45,000
Additional Funds - Working Capital for the First 90 Days$90,578 to $205,000
Total Estimated Initial Investment$611,928 to $2,018,550

Franchise Disclosure Document

Below is Ace Hardware's 2026 Franchise Disclosure Document. Sign up for free to view the document.

Number of units

Ace Hardware had 5250 total units in 2026, of which 4982 were franchised-owned and 268 company-owned.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the royalty fee of
Ace Hardware
?
What is the total investment of
Ace Hardware
?
What is the initial franchise fee of
Ace Hardware
?
What is the AUV of
Ace Hardware
?

Competitors

Below are some of

Ace Hardware

key competitors in the

Hardware

sector.

Franchise
Franchisees
Royalty fee
Total investment
Revenue
Sign up
EBITDA
Sign up

4982

New
+
5%
5%

n.a.

$140,000

-

$2,019,000

$3,476,000

n.a.

$xxx,xxx

n.a.

xx%

n.a.

8

New
+
33%
33%

2% - 8%

$115,000

-

$250,000

n.a.

$0

$xxx,xxx

n.a.

xx%

n.a.

107

New
+
-36%
-36%

8.00%

$75,000

-

$107,000

n.a.

$0

$xxx,xxx

n.a.

xx%

n.a.

98

New
+
18%
18%

3%-6%

$398,000

-

$671,000

n.a.

$1,874,000

$xxx,xxx

n.a.

xx%

n.a.

256

New
+
-7%
-7%

8%-16%

$6,000

-

$16,000

n.a.

$0

$xxx,xxx

n.a.

xx%

n.a.

3159

New
+
-2%
-2%

$156 per month

$223,000

-

$509,000

n.a.

$777,000

$xxx,xxx

n.a.

xx%

n.a.

577

New
+
-4%
-4%

n.a.

$307,000

-

$2,177,000

n.a.

$0

$xxx,xxx

n.a.

xx%

n.a.

Training 

Ace Hardware provides comprehensive training for its franchisees through various programs to ensure the success and smooth operation of each store. The training includes:

  1. New Owner Learning Plan: This program must be completed by new investors before opening their first Ace store. It covers essential aspects of store management and operations.
  2. Ace Learning Place: An online training platform that offers over 1,700 courses for owners, their management teams, and associates. These courses cover a wide range of topics necessary for running a successful Ace Hardware store.
  3. In-Person Training: Conducted at Ace’s headquarters in Oak Brook, Illinois, as well as selected regional locations. These sessions provide hands-on experience and direct interaction with the Ace support team.
  4. Virtual Classroom Training: Provides flexible training options that can be accessed remotely, ensuring that franchisees and their staff can receive training without the need to travel.
  5. Annual Conventions: Training sessions and workshops are held twice a year at Ace’s spring and fall conventions. These events focus on various topics of interest to store owners and managers, offering opportunities to learn about new products, marketing strategies, and operational best practices.

Territory Protection

Ace Hardware does not offer exclusive territory protection to its franchisees. Franchisees may face competition from other Ace Hardware stores, competitive brands, and various distribution channels within their area.

The membership and franchise agreements grant the right to operate a store at a specific location but do not guarantee territorial exclusivity​​. This policy means that while franchisees benefit from the strong brand recognition and support of Ace Hardware, they must also rely on the quality of their service and local community engagement to succeed in the market.

The cooperative model encourages franchisees to focus on delivering exceptional customer experiences and leveraging the collective buying power of the Ace Hardware network​.

Ace Hardware

Retail
Hardware
Franchisees

?

4982
+
5%
5%
Franchise fee

?

$5,000
Investment

?

$140,000 - $2,019,000
Revenue (AUV)

?

Undisclosed
Sign up

$3,476,000

+
n.a.
n.a.
Operating Profit

?

n.a.

Sign up
Year of FDD

2026

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?

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Competitors

Below are some of Ace Hardware's key competitors in the Hardware sector.

Hardware Hank

Franchisees

?

577
+
-4%
-4%
Investment

?

$307,000 - $2,177,000
Revenue

?

Sign up
Undisclosed

$0

Woodcraft

Franchisees

?

58
+
-9%
-9%
Investment

?

$574,000 - $753,000
Revenue

?

Sign up
Undisclosed

$1,863,000

Winzer

Franchisees

?

256
+
-7%
-7%
Investment

?

$6,000 - $16,000
Revenue

?

Sign up
Undisclosed

$0

Snap-on Tools

Franchisees

?

3159
+
-2%
-2%
Investment

?

$223,000 - $509,000
Revenue

?

Sign up
Undisclosed

$777,000

PowerWashStore

Franchisees

?

8
+
33%
33%
Investment

?

$115,000 - $250,000
Revenue

?

Sign up
Undisclosed

$0

Metal Supermarkets

Franchisees

?

98
+
18%
18%
Investment

?

$398,000 - $671,000
Revenue

?

Sign up
Undisclosed

$1,874,000

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