History of Ace Hardware
Ace Hardware was founded in 1924 in Chicago, Illinois, by a group of hardware store owners who wanted to increase their buying power and compete with larger retailers. They formed a cooperative, allowing independent stores to purchase products in bulk while maintaining their individual identities. The business model helped small hardware stores thrive, and Ace quickly expanded across the United States.
Over the decades, Ace Hardware grew into a global brand, with thousands of stores in more than 60 countries. The company remains a retailer-owned cooperative, meaning store owners are also shareholders in the business. Ace is known for its customer service and focus on local communities, offering a wide range of tools, hardware, and home improvement products. Today, it continues to be a leading name in the hardware industry.