Hardware Retailing The Industry's Source for Insights and Information
Ace Hardware recently marked its 100th new store opening of 2026 and remains on pace to open more than 170 new stores by year-end. The growth reflects strong demand from existing Ace retailers expanding their businesses, independent operators converting to the Ace brand and new entrepreneurs joining the cooperative.
“There is a special pride that comes with owning an Ace Hardware store because a great hardware store is more than a place to buy products. It’s part of the fabric of the community it serves,” says John Surane, executive vice president and chief growth officer at Ace Hardware.
Over the past six years, Ace has added more than 1,100 new stores, expanding access to the products, services and expertise customers rely on in communities nationwide. Ace’s growth and stability continue to earn recognition across the franchise industry. In 2026, Ace Hardware was named the No. 1 franchise in the hardware category and among the top-ranked brands overall in Entrepreneur magazine’s “Best of the Best” rankings. Ace also climbed to No. 4 overall on Entrepreneur’s annual Franchise 500 ranking, maintaining its place among the top-ranked franchises for the fifth consecutive year.
“For more than a century, independent Ace retailers have proven that local ownership, personal service and a genuine commitment to their neighbors can not only compete but win against some of the largest and most powerful retailers in the world. Reaching our 100th new store yet again this year is a powerful reflection of the strength of that model and the confidence entrepreneurs continue to place in Ace.”
Today, Ace operates nearly 5,300 locally owned stores across all 50 states and continues to invest in innovation, supply chain capabilities, retail support programs and marketing initiatives designed to help retailers thrive.
