U.S. – Ace Hardware Corporation, the world’s largest hardware cooperative, has exceeded 5,000 locations globally. Ace Hardware stores can be found in more than 60 countries and in all 50 U.S. states.

“At a time when a majority of brick and mortar retailers are facing declining store counts, decreased customer transactions, stalling sales and massive layoffs, I’m delighted to share that Ace’s global store count has surpassed 5,000 locations,” said John Venhuizen, President and CEO, Ace Hardware Corporation.

News of Ace’s 5,000th store announcement comes on the heels of a significant period of growth for the 93-year-old retailer. Notably, the hardware cooperative just completed its fourth consecutive year of increased customer transactions, five years in a row of net new store growth, and seven years in a row of increased same-store sales.

In 2016 alone, Ace opened 207 new stores around the world, generating an estimated 4,000 new retail jobs. New store growth at Ace is generated through three main vehicles; first, from existing Ace stores that decide to branch out and open additional stores; second, from competitor hardware stores that decide to affiliate with Ace; and third, from new investors, individuals entering the industry for the first time. Looking ahead, Ace plans to continue its growth momentum by opening more than 150 new stores in the U.S. in 2017.