Open a New Store
Learn about one of the most profitable franchises to own
THE INVESTMENT
$579,000 - $1,900,000+
(depending on store size)
MINIMUM FINANCIAL REQUIREMENTS
$350,000
Liquid Capital
$700,000
Net Worth
Invest In A Trusted Brand
No Ongoing Franchise Fees
No Royalty Fees
No Royalty Fees
You Own the Brand,
Your Store and the Company
![Entrepreneur's Franchise 500](https://myace.com/wp-content/themes/myace/img/template-parts/accolades/franchise500_2024.jpg)
Entrepreneur's Franchise 500
#5 overall
#1 In our category by
Entrepreneur Magazine's Franchise 500 List
![Franchise Direct](https://myace.com/wp-content/themes/myace/img/template-parts/accolades/FD100Badge2023.png)
Franchise Direct
#3 on Franchise Direct
Top 100 Global Franchises
Franchise Times
#5 Franchise Times Top 400
New Store Process
These are the steps to open a hardware store and become a franchise owner.
1
Preview &
Qualification
Qualification
Ace Values
Ace Culture
Exploration
Ace Convention
2
Market
Research
Research
Market Identification
Site Selection
Sales Forecast
Proforma
3
New Store
Application
Application
Franchise Disclosure
Document (FDD)
(where applicable)
4
Store
Development
Development
Store Planning
Opening Stock Order
Store Set Up
5
Store
Opening
Opening
Store Opening
Grand Opening Event
Ace Team of 3 Support & New Owners Training
There's a lot of leeway with the Ace concept of make it your own.
- John Dunlap | Co-owner of Five Oaks Ace Hardware
Our Results
See why Ace is one of the most popular franchises.
of net new store growth
stores added worldwide
billion in sales
![Ace Medal](https://myace.com/wp-content/themes/myace/img/open-a-store/open-store-results-medal.png)
How We Compete
It takes something special to succeed in the hardware business.
![Service](https://myace.com/wp-content/themes/myace/img/template-parts/how-we-compete/service.jpg)
SERVICE
We can compete with big boxes with knowledgeable associates and the entrepreneurial spirit of its owners.
![Convenience](https://myace.com/wp-content/themes/myace/img/template-parts/how-we-compete/convenience.jpg)
CONVENIENCE
Ace stores can be found right in the neighborhood and combine a quick, in-and-out shopping experience with fast checkout.
![Quality](https://myace.com/wp-content/themes/myace/img/template-parts/how-we-compete/quality.jpg)
QUALITY
With top brands like Craftsman, Weber and STIHL, Ace Hardware stores offer the best brands in home improvement.
Ace is the place for...
![Veterans](https://myace.com/wp-content/themes/myace/img/template-parts/ace-is-the-place/veterans.jpg)
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
![Coolest Stores](https://myace.com/wp-content/themes/myace/img/template-parts/ace-is-the-place/coolest-stores.jpg)
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](https://myace.com/wp-content/themes/myace/img/template-parts/ace-is-the-place/women-in-retail.jpg)
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.
Ace History
The beginning of one of the most successful franchises.
1924
•
Four hardware shop owners unite to start Ace Stores, Inc.
1931
•
Ace Stores, Inc. officially changes its name to Ace Hardware Corporation.
1940
•
By the end of the 1940s, Ace Hardware Corporation is supplying 133 Ace stores in seven states.
1959
•
Ace celebrates its 35-year anniversary with sales of $24.5 million and 325 stores.
1963
•
Ace begins to expand into the southeastern and western states.
1975
•
With stores in nearly all 50 states, Ace expands internationally, opening a store in Guam.
1985
•
A retailer ordering masking tape at a store in Michigan pushes Ace past $1 billion wholesale.
1994
•
The "New Retail Age of Ace" is launched to battle the "big box" chain hardware stores and help ensure the company's growth for years to come.
2006
•
Wholesale sales reach 10-year highs and the bottom line exceeds $100 million for the fourth straight year.
2013
•
Ace's Clark+Kensington® semi-gloss and satin paints are ranked No. 1 by a leading consumer magazine.
2019
•
12 out of 13 years ranked "Highest in Customer Satisfaction" by J.D. Power*