many of them have a person's name like Smith's Ace Hardware or Fisher's Ace Hardware, other had different names like Strathmann Home Center or Town Hardware Inc

is Ace Hardware a franchise or why do some stores have different names?

Thanks

They are a franchise, but are independently owned, within the franchise.

They aren't franchises in this country.

It's a co-op.

The stores are locally-owned and operated and use the "Ace" logo as part of their agreement, but are free to use the name/brand in different ways than a franchisee would.

Instead of being required to stock/brand/advertise in various ways dictated entirely from above, they utilize economies of scale to increase their purchasing power and decrease costs and mostly just need to avoid tainting the brand.

When one of them innovates, others can copy from that without seeking permission from a franchiser with the result that they can adapt quickly to changing markets and economic conditions and survive in a recession or a global pandemic.

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I found the people working there more helpful than Lowes and Home Depot, but their prices are a little higher. Also I do not have one in the areas I shop frequently but when I pass by one, I try to stop by and check it out.

The one closest to here is run by cheapskates. They never turn on the AC in the summer, employing fans which do little to cool down the shopping experience. Working there has to suck big time. Generally, leaving the store is a relief. Obviously, they don't get much business from here… nickel and dime stuff (to match their business model).

We had a local Ace Hardware in my little town. Talk around the campfire says the owner had to pay $60,000. a year (probably around 10 years ago) just to have the Ace Hardware name.

He ditched them and became a "Do-It Center" branded hardware. Still as expensive as Fook. A ten mile drive would get you to a Home Depot, but when you need just one little item, it might be worth it to shop the local hardware and forget about the 20+ mile round trip.

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Mr. Lahey: A lot of people, don’t know how to drink. They drink against the grain of the liquor. And when you drink against the grain of the liquor? You lose.

Randy: What the @#$%& are you talking about?

A well organized and run "old time" hardware store is a JOY to shop in. Staff is usually VERY well versed in their stock and are often able to make good suggestions to help customers solve their problems. I can spend hours roaming the aisles!

....Ace is the place with the helpful hardware man.......

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I reject your reality and substitute my own!

Was just in my local Ace today. Only place that will fix a screen, sharpen a lawn mower blade and keeps spark plugs and air filters in stock for my mower.

They also have an impressive amount of rental tools for those odd times when you need a Dingo or a jack hammer... or maybe just a really tall ladder.

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C(-)ris
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Quote
C(-)ris
Was just in my local Ace today. Only place that will fix a screen, sharpen a lawn mower blade and keeps spark plugs and air filters in stock for my mower.

They also have an impressive amount of rental tools for those odd times when you need a Dingo or a jack hammer... or maybe just a really tall ladder.

good to know! I need to fix a screen, Thanks!

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Sarcany
They aren't franchises in this country.
It's a co-op...

.this
Just like Southern States, Do It Best, & True Value. It's been my experience
the family owned "co-op" stores have really good customer service.
Much nicer vs the two, big box behemoths.

When I'm near one, I'll visit a Tractor Supply store. Just like browsing all
the cool stuff they have but seldom buy anything.

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