#37
At a Glance
Products & Services: Hardware & home-improvement store
Number of Locations: 4,659
Total Investment: $750K - 1000K
Founded: 1924
Began Franchising: 1976
About Ace Hardware Corp.
Ace Hardware's history begins in 1924, when four hardware store owners, Richard Hesse, E. Gunnard Lindquist, Franke Burke and Oscar Fisher, joined together to buy merchandise in bulk in order to maximize their profits and compete effectively with larger stores. Over 80 years later, the cooperative has grown to include over 4,600 stores in seven countries, each offering a variety of home improvement merchandise, including Ace's own exclusive line of products.Franchise Units
| Year | U.S. | Canadian | International | Company Owned |
| 2012 | 4,079 | 0 | 580 | 0 |
| 2011 | 4,093 | 0 | 347 | 0 |
| 2010 | 4,128 | 0 | 336 | 0 |
| 2009 | 4,088 | 0 | 345 | 0 |
Where Seeking Franchisees: Franchisor is seeking new franchise units worldwide.
Startup Costs, Ongoing Fees and Financing
Total Investment: $750,000 - $1,000,000
Franchise Fee: $5,000
Term of Franchise Agreement: Term of agreement not renewable
Franchise Fee: $5,000
Term of Franchise Agreement: Term of agreement not renewable
Financial Requirements
Net Worth: $400,000
Liquid Cash Available: $250,000
Operations
22% of all franchisees own more than one unit. Number of employees needed to run franchised unit: 15 - 25. Absentee ownership of franchise is allowed. (80% of current franchisees are owner/operators).| Financing Type | In-House | Third Party |
| Franchise Fee | ||
| Startup Costs | ||
| Equipment | ||
| Inventory | ||
| Accounts Receivable | ||
| Payroll |
How This Franchise Supports Franchisees
Training: Available at headquarters: 2 weeks. At franchisee's location: Ongoing.
Ongoing Support: Newsletter, Meetings, Toll-free phone line, Grand opening, Internet, Security/safety procedures, Field operations/evaluations, Purchasing cooperatives
Marketing Support: Co-op advertising, Ad slicks, National media, Regional advertising,
Franchise Ranking History
Related Stories
- How International Franchisors Are Making a Name for Themselves in the U.S.
- The Pros and Cons of Franchising Your Business
- Small Used Jewelry Business Leads to a Growing Pawn-Shop Franchise
- How 2 Businesses Stumbled Upon Franchising as the Key to Growth
- How a Coffee Franchise With Russian Roots Made it in the U.S.