September 11, 2026 – Marianne Wilson of Chain Store Age reported last week that despite already having 5,300 stores across the US, Ace Hardware is continuing to grow at an impressive pace.  Wilson wrote, “The world’s largest hardware cooperative today marked its 100th new store opening of 2026 and remains on pace to open more than 170 new stores by the end of 2026. The company said its growth reflects strong demand from existing Ace retailers expanding their businesses, independent operators converting to the Ace brand and new entrepreneurs joining the cooperative.”  In just the past 6 years, Ace Hardware has increased its store count by 1,100 units.  The locally owned and operated stores can be found in all 50 states.  Perhaps boosting the growth is recognition by Entrepreneur magazine who counted Ace in their “Best of the Best” rankings.  In addition, Ace reached Entrepreneur’s Franchise 500 with a 4^th overall ranking.  It was the 5^th year in a row that Ace has been included in their list of top franchises.

 

Andrew Feinblatt and Kristine Davidson of Cincinnati, OH-based OnSite Retail Group are helping Ace with their growth and representing the chain in Cincinnati, Northern KY, Dayton, and western & northwestern OH.  To read the full story in Chain Store Age, click here: https://chainstoreage.com/ace-hardware-track-open-170-plus-new-stores-years-end