Ace Hardware Stores are closing in 2026: See updated list of doomed locations
While Ace Hardware is celebrating record growth, some of its longest-standing stores are shutting their doors for good. Like many traditional neighborhood hardware stores, Ace Hardware operates as a retailer-owned cooperative rather than a traditional franchise, meaning that each of its nearly 5,300 locations across all 50 states is independently owned and operated. “Every Ace store is sized and…
Ace Hardware, a retailer-owned cooperative with over 5,300 locations across the United States, announced that it will close several stores in 2026. Unlike traditional franchises, each Ace Hardware store operates independently, catering to the unique needs of its local community. Ace Hardware owner-operator Jeff Smith emphasized that these stores are sized and stocked to best serve the neighborhood they serve, offering flexibility in ordering from multiple suppliers to efficiently meet customer demands.
The closures are not due to a single cause, as each independently owned store faces its own challenges. Local owners often incorporate their city, neighborhood, family, or regional landmark into the store's name to strengthen their community ties. For instance, Woodside Ace Hardware in Winthrop, Massachusetts, closed after 94 years in business due to the owner's health issues.
Additionally, several stores have filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy, such as D&D Venture Group's Chase Ace Hardware in Northern California and Woodcrest Ace Hardware in Riverside, California. While the closures might appear due to various factors, the growing influence of larger competitors like Home Depot, Lowe’s, and Amazon has put pressure on independent operators and cooperatives like Ace Hardware.
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