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.
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Ace Hardware is the largest retailer-owned hardware cooperative in the world, founded in 1924 by Chicago hardware store owners and headquartered in Oak Brook, Illinois. With 4,982+ franchisee-owned US locations and $5B+ in systemwide retail sales, Ace operates as a co-op — dealer-owners purchase wholesale through the cooperative and own their stores outright, paying no ongoing royalty.
Want to know what Ace Hardware franchise owners actually earn? See the full income analysis, co-op structure breakdown, and investment details at SharpSheets → Ace Hardware Franchise Owner Income.
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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.
Ace Hardware provides comprehensive training for its franchisees through various programs to ensure the success and smooth operation of each store. The training includes:
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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