Ace Hardware Corporation is an American hardware retailers' cooperative based in Oak Brook, Illinois. Founded in 1924 by a group of hardware store owners in Chicago, Ace has grown to become the largest hardware cooperative in the world, with over 5,800 stores in all 50 U.S. states and approximately 70 countries internationally. Unlike big-box competitors, Ace operates as a cooperative, meaning its stores are independently owned and operated by local entrepreneurs who are also shareholders in the cooperative.
Ace Hardware's neighborhood store format is central to its identity. Most Ace stores are smaller than big-box home improvement retailers, typically ranging from 10,000 to 15,000 square feet, and are located in neighborhood shopping areas rather than large commercial zones. This proximity to customers, combined with a reputation for knowledgeable and helpful staff, has earned Ace consistently high customer satisfaction rankings. The company's tagline, 'The Helpful Place,' reflects this service-oriented approach.
The product range covers hardware, hand and power tools, plumbing supplies, electrical products, paint, lawn and garden equipment, outdoor living products, cleaning supplies, automotive products, and home goods. Ace is a major paint retailer, carrying Benjamin Moore, Clark+Kensington, and other premium paint brands. Many Ace stores also offer services such as key cutting, screen repair, glass cutting, pipe threading, and small engine repair.
Ace Hardware has adapted to changing retail dynamics by investing in its digital platform, offering online ordering with in-store pickup, same-day delivery through partnerships with services like Instacart, and an expanding e-commerce assortment. The cooperative model allows individual store owners to tailor their product mix to local community needs while benefiting from the collective purchasing power and brand recognition of the Ace network.