Ace Hardware
Oak Brook, IL
Ace Hardware functions as a retail cooperative, offering a unique franchise-like opportunity for those in the hardware and home improvement industry. Founded in 1924, this massive brand supports 5,966 units. The Ace Hardware franchise investment ranges from 603,850 to 2,001,550 dollars, with a nominal franchise fee of 5,000 dollars and 250,000 dollars in liquid capital. There are no traditional royalty fees, as the company operates as a member-owned cooperative. Headquartered in Oak Brook, Illinois, the company provides extensive support offered in retail buying, store layout, marketing, and supply chain management. The ideal franchisee profile includes established local business owners or individuals looking to integrate into a community-focused retail environment. An Ace Hardware franchise review often highlights the benefits of being a co-op owner, where the brand provides the power of a large chain without the traditional royalty structure. Those who buy an Ace Hardware franchise benefit from a deeply trusted brand with a 5-year growth rate of 1.9 percent. The support offered ensures that owners can provide a superior customer experience compared to big-box competitors. This investment is ideal for those who value autonomy while still wanting the buying power and brand recognition of a global leader. Entrepreneurs should review the cooperative membership requirements and the operational advantages of this structure. As a community staple, an Ace Hardware store offers a stable, long-term business opportunity for those dedicated to local service and high-quality home improvement products.
FIC Score
out of 100
Investment Range
$604K – $2.0M
Franchise Fee
$5K
Total Units
5,966
5-Year Growth
+1.9%
FIC Score Breakdown
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Overall Ranking
Out of 787 franchises
Specifications
About the Ace Hardware Franchise Opportunity
The Ace Hardware franchise is a Retail franchising opportunity founded in 1924 and headquartered in Oak Brook, IL. With over 5,966 franchise units, Ace Hardware is one of the recognized brands in the retail sector available to prospective franchisees.
The total investment required to become a Ace Hardware franchisee ranges from $604K to $2.0M. The initial franchise fee is $5K. Prospective franchise owners must have a minimum of $250K in liquid capital. Franchisees pay an ongoing royalty fee of N/A (co-op).
The Franchise Information Center has assigned Ace Hardware a FIC Score of 91.5 out of 100, ranking it #20 among all franchises. This proprietary franchise score evaluates three core dimensions: scalability (92.0/100), franchisor support quality (91.5/100), and unit economics (91.0/100).
Ace Hardware has demonstrated 1.9% unit growth over the past 5 years, reflecting strong demand for this franchise opportunity among investors and entrepreneurs entering franchising.
The Franchise Information Center provides free consultations to help you evaluate whether the Ace Hardware franchise is the right franchising investment for your goals, budget, and market. Our expert franchise brokers work directly with franchisors on your behalf — at no cost to you.
Ace Hardware
FIC 91.5 · #20
DISCLAIMER: The financial information displayed on this page — including franchise fees, total investment ranges, liquid capital requirements, royalty fees, and unit counts — is provided for general informational purposes only and is sourced from publicly available data, third-party directories, and franchisor-published materials. This information may not reflect the most current figures disclosed in the franchisor's Franchise Disclosure Document (FDD). Investment amounts, fees, and terms are subject to change without notice and may vary based on location, market conditions, territory, and other factors. The Franchise Information Center (FIC) does not guarantee the accuracy, completeness, or timeliness of any financial data presented herein. Nothing on this page constitutes a franchise offering, investment advice, or a solicitation to purchase a franchise. A franchise offering can only be made through a Franchise Disclosure Document (FDD) registered and delivered in accordance with applicable federal and state law. Before making any investment decision, prospective franchisees should independently verify all financial data with the franchisor directly and consult qualified legal and financial advisors. The FIC Score is a proprietary analytical tool for informational purposes only and does not constitute an endorsement, recommendation, or guarantee of franchisee success or investment return.