Ace Hardware Franchise Opportunity

Quick Business Facts
Founded: 1924
Franchising Since: 1976
Corporate Office: 2200 Kensington Ct.
Oak Brook, IL 60523
Industries: , , , , , ,
Resources: Official Homepage

About Ace Hardware

Throughout its 80-year history, Ace Hardware has been known as the helpful hardware store by both customers and communities. In 2007, Ace Hardware was ranked the "Highest in Customer Satisfaction among Major Home Improvement Retail Stores" by J.D. Power and Associates in its inaugural study of the retail home improvement industry. With 4,600 hardware, home center and building materials stores that generate annual retail sales of more than $12 billion, Ace is the largest retailer-owned hardware cooperative in the industry. Headquartered in Oak Brook, Ill., Ace currently operates 14 distribution centers in the U.S. and a warehouse in Shanghai, China, and its retailers' stores are located in all 50 states and 60 countries.

Company History

Ace Hardware is a hardware store that was formed in 1924 by Richard Hesse, E. Gunnard Lindquist, Frank Burke and Oscar Fisher in Chicago, Illinois. The company became a cooperative in 1973. By 1976 Ace became a retailers' cooperative. Independent owners became dealer-owners and shareholders in the company. Because it's a co-op and not a franchise, each Ace store looks different. Ace has placed a focus on Ace stores exhibiting some similar characteristics, such as signaled and core product lines. The Vision 21 program, as this is called, is aimed to make all stores look identical. This is causing much resistance from the smaller stores because of the cost of the program.

As of 2005, the $13 billion retail hardware cooperative contains over 4,600 independent stores throughout the United States and in 70 different countries. Ace Hardware was named after the Ace fighter pilots of World War I, who were able to overcome all odds.

Their long-time slogan — The helpful hardware place — has been replaced by The helpful place. Another change came when their longtime jingle — "Ace is the place with the helpful hardware man" — was modified with the more gender-neutral "folks" replacing "man." Much of their advertising since 1987 features John Madden, a former NFL coach and announcer. Prior to John Madden, Suzanne Somers was a spokesperson for Ace Hardware but was dropped because of a previously issued topless poster for an unknown sporting goods brand. Home improvement expert Lou Manfredini currently serves as ACE's "Helpful Hardware Man" and media spokesperson.

Ray Griffith currently serves as the President and CEO of ACE Hardware Corporation and has served in that position since taking over for Dave Hodnik. Hodnik had served as ACE's leader since 1996. Tom Glenn serves as Chairman of the Board. ACE Hardware Corporation now does over $3 billion in hardline sales and $100 million in net profits.

Social Reach:

This web page does not constitute a franchise offering or an offer to sell a franchise. A franchise offering can be made by us only in a state if we are first registered, excluded, exempted or otherwise qualified to offer franchises in that state, and only if we provide you with an appropriate franchise disclosure document.

Ace Hardware »

Throughout its 80-year history, Ace Hardware has been known as the helpful hardware store by both customers and communities.

Browse:

  1. Business Overview
  2. Franchise News

Hot Opportunities

Hungry Howie's Pizza Franchise Opportunity

Hungry Howie's Pizza
Hungry Howie's is currently EXPANDING! Top Markets are available for...

Add
E-Path Advisors Franchise Opportunity

E-Path Advisors
E-Path Advisors can assist you in finding the right franchise, at no cost...

Add
IN2IT Nutrition and Fitness Franchise Opportunity

IN2IT Nutrition and Fitness
TWO FRANCHISES FOR THE PRICE OF ONE - THE ONLY RETAIL NUTRITION STORE...

Add
Jimmy John's Gourmet Sandwich Shops Franchise Opportunity

Jimmy John's Gourmet Sandwich Shops
Jimmy John's franchise success is built upon an unyielding commitment to...

Add
Minuteman Press International Franchise Opportunity

Minuteman Press International
Minuteman Press has been the leader in the printing & graphics...

Request Information
Oxi Fresh Franchise Opportunity

Oxi Fresh
OXI FRESH is a GREEN Carpet Cleaning Franchise and one of Entrepreneur's...

Add
Fantastic Sams Franchise Opportunity

Fantastic Sams
Benefit from Being Part of One of the Largest Full-Service Haircare...

Add
DQ Orange Julius Franchise Opportunity

DQ Orange Julius
The mix of unique, quality product lines that this concept offers in a...

Add

A Franchise Update Media Group Production Franchise Update Media Group | 6489 Camden Ave., Ste. 108 - San Jose, CA 95120 - PH. (408) 997-7795
Copyright © 2001 - 2012. All Rights Reserved. Site Hosting Provided By: wishVPS on FUMG2
0
Your Request List:
No Opportunities Saved