As part of a years-long expansion program, the hardware cooperative expects to be at more than 5,300 in the US by December.
Rick’s Ace Hardware in St. Louis pushed Ace to its 100th opening this year as it remains on pace to add more than 170 new locations by year-end.
“Reaching our 100th new store yet again this year is a powerful reflection of the strength of that model and the confidence entrepreneurs continue to place in Ace,” said John Surane, executive vice president and chief growth officer for the company. “For more than a century, independent Ace retailers have proven that local ownership, personal service and a genuine commitment to their neighbors can not only compete but win against some of the largest and most powerful retailers in the world.”
Over the past six years, Ace has added more than 1,100 new stores, as it says it continues to invest in innovation, supply chain capabilities, retail support programs and marketing initiatives to help retailers thrive. Ace operates in all 50 states and around the world, with more than 8,900 locations globally. In 2026, Ace Hardware was named the No. 1 franchise in the hardware category and among the top-ranked brands overall in Entrepreneur magazine’s “Best of the Best” rankings. Ace also placed fourth overall on Entrepreneur’s annual Franchise 500 ranking, maintaining its place among the top-ranked franchises for the fifth consecutive year.
