Ace Hardware is a hardware store that was formed in 1924 by Richard Hesse, E. Gunnard Lindquist, Frank Burke and Oscar Fisher in Chicago, Illinois. By 1976 Ace became a retailer-owned cooperative. As of 2005, the $13 billion retail hardware cooperative contains over 4,600 independent stores throughout the United States and in 70 different countries. Ace Hardware was named after the Ace fighter pilots of World War I, who were able to overcome all odds.

Their long-time slogan — The helpful hardware place — has been replaced by The helpful place. Much of their advertising since 1987 features John Madden, a former NFL coach and announcer.

Previously before John Madden, Suzanne Somers was a spokesperson for Ace Hardware but was dropped because of a previously issued topless poster for an unknown sporting goods brand.

External links

• Ace Hardware
• AG Lock and Hardware Authorized Ace Hardware Dealer selling online
• YourAceHardware.net