Ace Hardware celebrated the opening of its 100th new store in 2026 and is on pace to open more than 170 stores by the end of the year.
“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,” said John Surane, EVP and Chief Growth Officer at Ace Hardware, in a statement. “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.”
Illinois-based Ace is a retailer-owned cooperative, and has added more than 1,100 stores over the past six years, according to a news release. Ace operates nearly 5,300 stores across all 50 states.
Ace attributed its steady growth to existing Ace retailers expanding their businesses, independent operators converting to the Ace brand and new entrepreneurs joining the co-operative.
“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,” Surane said.
In April, Ace Hardware introduced “Hey ARMA,” an AI-powered tool to support customer associates in 2,300 locations. In 2024, the retailer launched Elevate Ace, a $1 billion investment over five years in an experiential store format that focuses on four areas: paint, power, backyards and barbeque, and home preservation.
