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Ace Hardware

Ace Hardware Franchise Cost & Facts · Retail

A Ace Hardware franchise costs $292K – $2.1M in total initial investment, with an initial franchise fee of $1.2M, across 4,540 locations. See the full Ace Hardware fees, royalty, and Franchise Disclosure Document below.

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RetailFounded 1964· 62 yrs4,540 unitsacehardware.com
Ace Hardware logo

Total Investment

$292K – $2.1M

Franchise Fee

$1.2M

Unit Count

4,540

Year Founded

1964

Overview

Why Ace Hardware?

Ace Hardware is a retail brand with over 62 years of operating history and 4,540 active locations. The full Franchise Disclosure Document, including unit-level financials, territory terms, training requirements, and franchisee obligations, is available on request.

The Numbers

Investment & Fees

Total initial investment
$292K – $2.1M
Initial franchise fee
$1.2M
Royalty fee
Available on request
Ad / marketing fee
Available on request

Regulatory Filings

FDDs on file

2025202220202017201620152014

Latest FDD on file: 2025. Request the document below to see Item 19 financial performance, Item 7 estimated initial investment, and territory disclosures.

Who's Operating It

3,062 franchisees of Ace Hardware

619 multi-unit operators4,720 units operated by franchisees
See all 3,062 Ace Hardware franchisees

Why every serious buyer requests the FDD

The Franchise Disclosure Document is the single most important piece of paperwork in your due diligence. It's federally mandated and contains everything a franchisor is required to share before you sign.

  • Item 7: full breakdown of your real startup costs
  • Item 19: actual unit-level revenue performance
  • Item 20: franchisee count, openings, closures, transfers
  • Item 21: audited financial statements

Frequently Asked

Ace Hardware franchise FAQ

Is Ace Hardware a franchise?

Yes. Ace Hardware is a franchise in the retail category, which means you can own and operate a Ace Hardware location under a franchise agreement with the franchisor. The total initial investment to open one ranges from $292K – $2.1M. The franchisor provides the brand, systems, and ongoing support in exchange for an initial franchise fee and royalties, all disclosed in the Franchise Disclosure Document (FDD).

How much does it cost to open a Ace Hardware franchise?

Total initial investment to open a Ace Hardware franchise ranges from $292K – $2.1M according to the latest Franchise Disclosure Document. The actual cost depends on territory, build-out, and local market conditions. Request the full FDD on this page for Item 7's full investment breakdown.

What is the Ace Hardware franchise fee?

The Ace Hardware initial franchise fee is $1.2M, paid to the franchisor at signing. This is separate from total investment and does not include build-out, equipment, or working capital.

How many Ace Hardware franchise locations are there?

Ace Hardware operates 4,540 active locations as of the most recent FDD filing. Request the latest FDD for state-by-state distribution and openings/closures from Item 20.

When was Ace Hardware founded?

Ace Hardware was founded in 1964, giving the brand 62 years of operating history. Brand longevity matters in franchising because it correlates with refined operations, established supplier relationships, and a tested franchisee playbook.

Is a Ace Hardware franchise profitable?

Ace Hardware unit-level profitability depends on location, operating costs, staffing, and management. When a franchisor makes an earnings claim, it appears in Item 19 of the Franchise Disclosure Document, the only place franchise financial performance is officially disclosed. Request the Ace Hardware FDD on this page to review any Item 19 financial performance representation.

How do I apply for a Ace Hardware franchise opportunity?

Submit a request through this page to receive the Ace Hardware Franchise Disclosure Document. The FDD contains everything you need to evaluate the opportunity: Item 7 investment, Item 19 financial performance, Item 20 unit counts and franchisee turnover, and Item 21 audited financials. There is no cost or obligation to request the FDD.

Where can I get the Ace Hardware FDD?

The current Ace Hardware FDD can be requested directly through this page. Franchise Disclosure Documents are federally regulated by the FTC and must be provided to prospective franchisees at least 14 days before signing any binding agreement or paying any fee.

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