Ace Hardware is one of the largest home improvement retailers in the world, with over 5,000 stores currently in operation. Due to similarities with other retailers, many customers have wondered if Ace Hardware has any connections to the company.
If you’re a fan of Ace Hardware, you may be wondering if they are the same as True Value, another hardware retailer, and what the two stores have in common. I’ve looked into it, and here is what I have found out.
Are Ace Hardware and True Value the Same in 2024?
While Ace Hardware and True Value are both retail cooperatives that specialize in hardware products and services, they’re not the same company, nor are they owned by the same company. However, Ace Hardware and True Value do share similar brands such as DeWalt, Stanley and Workpro as of 2024.
For more information about Ace Hardware and True Value, including what both companies have in common, how they’re different, which company is larger, and if Ace Hardware is better than True Value, then keep reading!
Does Ace Hardware Own True Value?
Ace Hardware does not own True Value or vice versa. Rather, both Ace Hardware and True Value are retail cooperatives, meaning each store is owned and operated by individual business owners.
Ace Hardware is an affiliate of the SM Group of Companies, and a large portion of the company is owned by Ace Hardware entrepreneurs.
Conversely, True Value is owned by ACON, a private equity investment firm who purchased the business in 2018.
Is Ace Hardware Better Than True Value?
Ace Hardware has been ranked as number 264 in the list of Global Top 1,000 brands, whereas True Value doesn’t currently have a rank.
It can be stated that Ace Hardware sells a wider variety of branded tools than True Value, however, True Value is also able to offer items such as pet supplies, which aren’t stocked in Ace Hardware.
Is Ace Hardware Bigger than True Value?
It can be said that Ace Hardware is bigger than True Value, as the company currently has more stores in operation, which are in more locations within the United States.
According to ScrapeHero, Ace Hardware currently has 4,248 stores in operation across the United States, across 51 states and territories and 2,923 cities.
Similarly, True Value has 2,185 locations in operation within America, in 51 states and territories, and 1,769 cities.
The state with the most Ace Hardware stores is California, whereas most True Value stores are located in New York, indicating that each store is more popular within their coast (West and East respectively).
What Does Ace Hardware Have in Common with True Value?
Both Ace Hardware and True Value are hardware stores that prioritize the customer experience offered through smaller, locally owned stores.
Compared to big-box retailers, both Ace Hardware and True Value are able to offer a more personal, tailored experience for shoppers, which appeals to some customers who want one-on-one assistance.
The marketplace views Ace Hardware and True Value as brands that encourage locally owned hardware outlets, as both offer local investors and business owners the opportunity to thrive and succeed under their branding.
Ace Hardware and True Value are also both retail cooperatives, which means their companies are owned by their investors, who are often the owners of their stores.
As hardware retailers, Ace Hardware and True Value also sell a variety of similar products including hand tools, power tools, outdoor and garden equipment, as well as offering seasonal items such as Christmas decorations.
How is Ace Hardware Different to True Value?
While both Ace Hardware and True Value are retail cooperatives, they differ in terms of their franchising fees.
Ace Hardware charges new owners $5,000 for affiliation rights for the company, alongside other costs for opening a franchise, which can average between $292,000 and $1,624,230 depending on the location.
True Value charges its owners a franchise fee of $9,500 for a store, which is higher than Ace Hardware, but the costs for opening a store are lower and are estimated to be between $44,550 and $987,050.
Ace Hardware and True Value also differ in the products and services that they are able to offer. For example, Ace Hardware has a home brand range of tools and True Value offers pet supplies.
If you want to know more, you can also see our posts on whether or not Ace Hardware prices match, Ace Hardware slogan, and if Ace Hardware is a franchise.
Conclusion
Ace Hardware and True Value are similar stores, but are not the same company, nor do they share the same owners. Both hardware retailers operate as a cooperative, with Ace Hardware charging $5000 in affiliate fees and True Value costing $9500.
