U.S. – A new study conducted by Market Force, a leading global customer intelligence research firm, recently named Ace Hardware “America’s favorite home improvement chain.”

According to the study, the findings are based on consumers’ satisfaction levels and likelihood to recommend Ace Hardware to others.

For the rankings, Market Force polled nearly 2,000 consumers who were asked to rate their satisfaction with their last experience at a given home improvement store and their likelihood to recommend it to others. That data was averaged to rate each brand on a Composite Loyalty Index. The Market Force study also looked at the attributes that drive these preferences, analyzing factors such as merchandise and brand selection, cleanliness and value.

From the study, Ace Hardware received the top composite loyalty score of 61 percent, followed by competitors Menards, Lowe’s, Home Depot and Walmart. According to the study issued by Market Force, “Ace Hardware ranked first in nearly every category, with particularly strong marks for organized merchandise and speedy checkouts.”

“These survey results recognize the outstanding work that Ace retailers do in their stores every day to fulfill our brand promise, to be the most helpful hardware stores on the planet,” said John Surane, Executive Vice President, Merchandising, Marketing, Sales. “It is through this caliber of excellent customer service that we can continue to differentiate our brand against the competition,” Surane said. The findings went on to say, “Additionally, the results showed Ace Hardware is living up to its brand promise of being the place with ‘the helpful hardware folks,’ as its associates were most likely to assist customers.”