Ace Hardware Corporation is an American retailer-owned hardware cooperative and one of the world’s best-known home improvement brands. Founded in 1924 in Chicago, Illinois, Ace operates thousands of hardware stores across more than 60 countries. Unlike traditional retail chains, most Ace stores are independently owned and operated by local entrepreneurs who collectively own the cooperative. The company is headquartered in Oak Brook, Illinois, United States. [1]

Ace Hardware was established on October 25, 1924, by a group of Chicago hardware store owners:

• Richard Hesse
• E. Gunnard Lindquist
• Frank Burke
• Oscar Fisher
• William Stauber

These independent retailers formed a cooperative to increase their purchasing power, allowing them to buy products in bulk at lower prices and compete against larger chains.

The name “Ace” was inspired by the ace fighter pilots of World War I, who were admired for their skill and success against difficult odds.

Key milestones include:

• 1924 – Founded as “Ace Stores”
• 1928 – Incorporated
• 1931 – Renamed Ace Hardware Corporation
• 1954 – Stores adopted the “Ace Hardware” name
• 1973 – Retailers purchased the company, making it fully retailer-owned
• Today – One of the world’s largest hardware cooperatives with a global presence. [2]

Ace Hardware is not a franchise.

Instead, it operates as a retail cooperative, meaning:

• Independent business owners own their local Ace stores.
• Store owners are also shareholders in Ace Hardware Corporation.
• The cooperative negotiates with manufacturers for competitive pricing.
• Members benefit from shared purchasing, logistics, marketing, and technology while retaining local ownership and management. [1]

Ace Hardware stores typically carry products across many home improvement categories, including:

Tools

• Hand tools
• Power tools
• Tool storage
• Air compressors

Paint

• Interior paint
• Exterior paint
• Primers
• Paint supplies

Lawn & Garden

• Fertilizers
• Seeds
• Plants
• Outdoor equipment
• Irrigation

Plumbing

• Pipes
• Faucets
• Valves
• Water filtration

Electrical

• Wiring
• Lighting
• Switches
• Electrical supplies

Outdoor Living

• Barbecue grills
• Patio furniture
• Fire pits
• Outdoor décor

Automotive

• Motor oil
• Batteries
• Cleaning supplies

Home Maintenance

• Fasteners
• Adhesives
• Storage solutions
• Cleaning products

Many stores also provide services such as:

• Key cutting
• Paint color matching
• Screen repair
• Glass cutting
• Propane exchange
• Tool rental (location-dependent)

Ace Hardware has expanded far beyond the United States, with stores operating across North America, Asia, Latin America, the Middle East, and other regions. While the cooperative provides global branding and supply support, local operators adapt product selections to suit regional markets.

Ace Hardware entered the Philippine market in 1997, opening its first store at SM Southmall in Las Piñas.

Today, Ace Hardware Philippines:

• Operates more than 240 branches nationwide (recent company figures).
• Is affiliated with the SM Group of Companies.
• Offers a broad range of home improvement, hardware, appliances, automotive, garden, plumbing, electrical, and pet care products. [3]

Ace Hardware positions itself as “The Helpful Place.”

Its brand is built around:

• Personalized customer service
• Knowledgeable staff
• Community involvement
• Locally owned neighborhood stores
• Trusted home improvement expertise

The long-running slogan, “Ace is the Place with the Helpful Hardware Folks®,” has become one of the company’s most recognizable brand assets.

Ace Hardware differentiates itself through:

• Local ownership with community focus
• Cooperative buying power
• Strong customer service reputation
• Extensive product selection
• Convenient neighborhood locations
• Long-standing brand recognition
• International retail network

Ace Hardware emphasizes:

• Helping customers solve home improvement challenges
• Supporting independent local business owners
• Delivering knowledgeable service
• Building strong community relationships
• Providing quality products at competitive prices [1]

• Founded over 100 years ago.
• One of the largest retail cooperatives in the United States.
• Stores are primarily independently owned rather than corporate-owned.
• Operates in 60+ countries.
• The company was named after World War I “ace” fighter pilots.
• The “Helpful Hardware Folks” slogan has been used for decades and is closely associated with the brand. [2]

Ace Hardware is a globally recognized home improvement retailer distinguished by its retailer-owned cooperative model. Since its founding in 1924, it has grown from a small alliance of Chicago hardware stores into an international network of independently owned businesses. Its emphasis on knowledgeable service, neighborhood convenience, and broad home improvement offerings has made it one of the most recognizable names in the hardware industry. [1]

1. About Ace Hardware Corporation – The Largest Retailer-Owned Hardware Store – Ace Hardware
2. Ace Hardware
3. Doing Business with ACE Hardware Philippines – AHPI