As one of the largest home improvement retailers in the world, Ace Hardware has an extensive network of over 5,500 locally owned and operated hardware stores across all 50 U.S. states and in more than 70 countries. But have you ever wondered where it all began or where the key decisions are made to keep this hardware cooperative running smoothly?
In this comprehensive guide, we‘ll take you behind the scenes of Ace Hardware‘s headquarters and global operations. From the corporate office locations to international division outposts, you‘ll get an inside look at the nerve centers that power Ace‘s $7.8 billion enterprise. We‘ll also share helpful contact information and tips for reaching the right people, whether you‘re a customer, employee, job seeker, or supplier.
Let‘s start with the crown jewel of Ace Hardware‘s operations:
Ace Hardware Corporate Headquarters
Location and History
Ace Hardware‘s corporate headquarters and support center is located at:
2200 Kensington Court
Oak Brook, IL 60523
Nestled in the upscale suburb of Oak Brook about 20 miles west of Chicago, the sprawling office complex has been Ace‘s home base since 1974. But the company‘s roots actually trace back to Chicago in 1924, when five Chicago hardware store owners joined together to increase their buying power under the catchy name "Ace Stores."
The name honored the ace fighter pilots from World War I and has stood the test of time, even as the company grew and evolved. In 1931, the company was incorporated as Ace Hardware Corporation. Then in 1973, Ace transformed into a retailer-owned cooperative, selling the company to its retailers.
Today, Ace Hardware Corporation remains a privately held business owned exclusively by local retail entrepreneurs. Unlike a franchise model, Ace store owners don‘t pay franchise or royalty fees. Instead, they invest in Ace‘s wholesale inventory and pay a small membership fee to leverage the Ace brand, distribution network, and support services.
Visiting Ace Hardware HQ
As a thriving hub for Ace‘s corporate workforce, the Oak Brook support center is not open to the public for tours. However, the beautifully landscaped grounds and red-brick buildings make for an impressive sight from the street.
If you need to visit the Ace Hardware headquarters for a meeting or official business, be sure to make arrangements well in advance with your point of contact. Visitor parking is available but limited. The office complex is also accessible via Pace Bus routes 301 and 747.
For Ace Hardware retail store owners, the corporate headquarters hosts buying shows, training events, and other member programs throughout the year. Be sure to register for those events through your dedicated Ace representative.
Ace Hardware‘s Retail Support Centers
To keep its network of 5,500+ retail stores well-stocked, Ace Hardware operates 15 Retail Support Centers (RSCs) across the United States. These mammoth warehouse and distribution facilities are strategically located to efficiently deliver products to Ace‘s retailer-owned stores.
Here are the locations of Ace Hardware‘s RSCs:
- Rocklin, California
- Prescott Valley, Arizona
- Princeton, Illinois
- Gainesville, Georgia
- Wilmer, Texas
- Alexandria, Louisiana
- Loxley, Alabama
- Tampa, Florida
- Moxee, Washington
- West Jefferson, Ohio
- Peru, Illinois
- Prince George, Virginia
- Lemon Grove, California
- Cordova, California
- Fredericksburg, Virginia
If you‘re an Ace Hardware store owner, your designated RSC is your lifeline for thousands of essential products—from fasteners and paint to grills and power equipment. Ace‘s RSCs boast an impressive inventory turnover, often shipping products to stores within 24 hours of order.
Ace Hardware‘s International Presence
Ace Hardware International Division
In addition to its expansive U.S. presence, Ace Hardware has a thriving international division aptly named Ace Hardware International Holdings, Ltd. From its headquarters in Oak Brook, this division oversees the operations of Ace Hardware stores in approximately 70 countries.
Ace Hardware International focuses its growth and development efforts primarily in regions where there is high potential for homeownership and home improvement spending. Its largest concentrations of stores are currently in:
- Middle East (Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, United Arab Emirates)
- Caribbean (Puerto Rico, Virgin Islands, Jamaica)
- Latin America (Mexico, Guatemala, Costa Rica)
- Southeast Asia (Philippines, Malaysia, Indonesia)
While the product mix and store format may vary slightly by country and region, the core Ace Hardware brand promise of helpful service, quality products, and local entrepreneurship is universal. Ace Hardware International works in close partnership with in-country retailers, distributors, and investors to bring the Ace brand to life across languages and cultures.
Notable Ace Hardware International Locations
Looking to visit an Ace Hardware store on your next Caribbean vacation or Middle East business trip? Here are a few flagship locations and regional headquarters you should know:
Ace Hardware Middle East Office
Deira,
Dubai, UAE
971 4 2367300
Ace Hardware Puerto Rico Office
Edificio #2
Calle A Lote 2A
Corujo Industrial Park
Hato Tejas, Bayamón, 00961, Puerto Rico
Phone: 787-778-8164
Ace Hardware Philippines Office
Ace Hardware SM Mall of Asia
Coral Way, SM Mall of Asia Complex
Pasay City 1300, Philippines
Phone: (632) 8-556-0439
These regional offices and flagship stores serve as hubs for Ace‘s growth and operations in key international markets. But no matter how far and wide Ace‘s helpful brand reaches, it all links back to the headquarters in Oak Brook.
How to Contact Ace Hardware
Now that you know where to find Ace Hardware‘s key operational hubs, here‘s how to get in touch with the right people for your specific needs:
Customer Inquiries
Ace Hardware‘s customer service team is available to assist you with questions, order inquiries, and post-purchase support through the following channels:
Phone: 1-888-827-4223
Hours: Monday – Friday, 8:30 am to 7 pm CST
Saturday – Sunday, 9 am to 6 pm CST
Email: Use the contact form at https://www.acehardware.com/customer-service
Social Media: Reach out to @AceHardware on Twitter or send a message to the Ace Hardware Facebook page
For the fastest service, Ace recommends consulting its detailed FAQs and Customer Service portal first to see if you can find the answers you need regarding orders, returns, products, promotions, and more.
Retailer Inquiries
For entrepreneurs interested in becoming an Ace Hardware store owner, start your journey at https://myace.com. You‘ll find information on:
- Converting your existing store to an Ace Hardware
- Opening a new Ace Hardware store
- Adding an Ace Hardware section to your grocery store
To speak directly with a business development representative, call 800-426-6301.
Current Ace Hardware retail store owners can reach out to their designated Retail Support Center or login to www.TheSupplyPlace.com for account management, ordering, and operational support.
Media Inquiries
Members of the news media and industry press can direct inquiries to:
Ace Hardware Corporation
Attention: Corporate Communications
2200 Kensington Court
Oak Brook, IL 60523
or email: [email protected]
Vendor and Supplier Inquiries
Businesses interested in becoming a vendor or product supplier for Ace Hardware can submit their information at https://www.acehardware.com/vendor-inquiry.
An Ace Hardware merchandising representative will reach out to discuss your products and potential partnership opportunities. Note that all Ace Hardware vendors and suppliers must comply with applicable laws, regulations, and Ace‘s Business Partner Code of Conduct.
The People Behind Ace Hardware
Beyond the bricks and mortar of Ace Hardware‘s headquarters and distribution centers are the people who power the Ace enterprise. While the Ace cooperative is 100% owned by local entrepreneurs at the retail level, its corporate team guides the overall strategic direction and day-to-day support functions.
At the helm of Ace Hardware Corporation is President and CEO John Venhuizen, who has served in this role since 2013. Under his leadership, and with the support of an experienced management team, Ace has achieved record revenues and added over 900 new stores to its global network.
Venhuizen is supported by a dedicated Board of Directors, which is chaired by Brett Stephenson, a third-generation Ace Hardware store owner and operator. The 10-member board is primarily comprised of Ace retailers along with a few outside directors who bring valuable expertise in digital commerce, consumer marketing, and international business.
Together, Ace Hardware‘s leadership team and Board of Directors work to ensure the continued growth and success of the cooperative. By balancing the needs of individual store owners with the collective strength of the Ace brand and its support infrastructure, they navigate an ever-evolving retail landscape.
Ace Hardware‘s Legacy of Helpful Service
From its humble beginnings on the streets of Chicago nearly a century ago, to its current dominance in the home improvement retail sector, Ace Hardware has demonstrated the power of local entrepreneurship on a global scale.
By maintaining a strong corporate backbone while empowering individual store owners to serve their local communities, Ace Hardware has found a winning formula. Its retailer-owned cooperative model allows for both standardization and customization, consistency and flexibility.
As you‘ve seen in this behind-the-scenes tour, Ace Hardware‘s headquarters and support centers around the globe work tirelessly to help local businesses thrive under the Ace brand. So the next time you visit your neighborhood Ace store for a home repair project, know that there‘s a whole network of helpful folks behind those signature red vests.
Whether you need assistance with an Ace Hardware purchase, are curious about Ace‘s business opportunities, or are an enterprising reporter or vendor, you now know how to connect with the right people at Ace Hardware‘s headquarters and beyond. Because just like its retailer-owners, Ace Hardware Corporation is here to help.