When you search for whether Ace Hardware will open on Thanksgiving, the answer today remains largely the same — most stores will be closed. As of Thanksgiving 2025, thousands of locations across the United States are expected to shut their doors on Thursday. A few independently owned stores might break the mold with limited hours, but relying on that would be a gamble.
If you are wondering whether you can drop by Ace on Thanksgiving for a last-minute tool, light bulb, or grill accessory — it’s wise to double-check ahead.
Why So Many Ace Hardware Stores Close on Thanksgiving
Several factors influence the decision to close Ace Hardware stores on Thanksgiving:
- Independent ownership: Unlike a chain with strict corporate-controlled hours, many Ace stores are individually owned. That means each store owner can decide whether to open on holidays. Most opt to close.
- Holiday shopping patterns: Historically, Thanksgiving itself doesn’t draw heavy foot traffic. People focus on family dinners and traveling rather than hardware runs. Stores see far more demand on Black Friday.
- Staff welfare: Many store owners choose to give employees time off to spend with family — a sensible move given the holiday.
Because of this mix of business sense and goodwill, closure on Thanksgiving has become the norm at Ace locations nationwide.
What Retail-Holiday 2025 Looks Like for Ace Hardware
As 2025’s Thanksgiving approaches, retail holiday guides and store-locator tools reveal consistent messaging:
- Most Ace stores are listed as “closed” for November 27.
- A handful of stores might still show hours — but that appears rare.
- For those few that stay open, the window tends to be short, often during morning or early afternoon.
In general, Ace is aligned with many other major retailers deciding to stay shut on Thanksgiving this year.
What “The Few That Are Open” Really Means — And Why It’s Risky to Assume Availability
Because each Ace store is managed locally, there are occasional exceptions — but you should treat those as edge cases, not the rule. If you do find a local store marked open, here are some caveats:
- Hours may be limited (e.g., just a few morning hours).
- Inventory might be reduced.
- Staff presence could be minimal.
- Online store-locator info isn’t always updated in real time; a store may show open but still shut for the holiday.
If you depend on that store being open, plan for a fallback — such as another retailer or ordering online.
How to Check Your Local Ace Hardware Hours — And Why It Matters
Because of the variable nature of Ace’s holiday scheduling, getting accurate information before you go is key. Use these steps to avoid a wasted trip:
- Use the official Ace store-locator on the website to search by zip code. It shows the status each store owner sets.
- Check Google Business listings for your local store. Many owners update there first.
- Look for social media or community posts — some stores post holiday announcements on Facebook or local forums.
Taking a minute to check saves you the frustration of showing up at a closed store.
What to Expect the Day Before — And After — Thanksgiving at Ace Hardware
Even though most stores are shut on Thanksgiving Day, that doesn’t mean Ace disappears altogether from holiday shopping. In fact, the days surrounding Thanksgiving look very different:
- Day before Thanksgiving: Stores generally remain open under normal hours. Many customers use this day to grab needed supplies — like decorations, tools, or last-minute grill items.
- Black Friday (the day after Thanksgiving): This is when Ace — like many retailers — shifts into high gear. Early morning openings, extended hours, Black Friday promotions, and restocked inventory all make this a major shopping day for home-improvement shoppers.
- Weekend follow-up: Many people use Black Friday deals and weekend store hours to tackle holiday home projects or seasonal maintenance.
So while Thanksgiving Day may be quiet at Ace, the surrounding days are often bustling.
What It Means for Holiday Shoppers and DIYers
If you had planned to rely on Ace for a last-minute fix on Thanksgiving, you might need a backup plan. Here are some typical holiday-shopping scenarios and how the closure trend affects them:
- Holiday repairs (like a broken door, light bulb, or tool needed for cooking) — best to plan ahead and get supplies the day before.
- Last-minute grill accessories, outdoor décor, or hardware gifts — again, better off shopping on Wednesday or waiting for Black Friday.
- DIY or winter-prep projects — schedule them for after Thanksgiving when stores reopen and deals are available.
By being aware of the holiday schedule, you can avoid frustrations and make the most of Ace’s post-Thanksgiving offers.
Common Misconceptions — And What Folks Actually Experience
Misconception: “Ace hours are the same everywhere”
Because Ace stores are independently owned, hours can vary wildly, even within the same state. Thinking “one store’s holiday schedule applies to all” is risky.
Misconception: “Some stores will obviously stay open — so no worries”
While that might be true for a tiny minority, those exceptions are rare. Many shoppers in smaller towns or suburban areas will find their local Ace closed without notice.
Reality: Black Friday is the real event
For most customers, the most reliable way to shop at Ace during the holiday season is on Black Friday or in the following days — not on Thanksgiving itself.
Quick Checklist Before You Drive to Ace This Thanksgiving
- Visit Ace store-locator and search by your ZIP/postal code.
- Review Google Business hours and any recent customer reviews mentioning holiday closure.
- If possible, call the store. Some owners mark stores as “open” but keep doors locked — so a quick call can save wasted time.
- Have a backup plan in mind — such as ordering online or visiting a different retailer.
The Broader Trend: Retailers Choosing Family Over Foot Traffic
Ace isn’t alone. Many large retailers in 2025 — big-box stores, department stores, and home-improvement chains — are opting to shutter their doors on Thanksgiving. The shift reflects changing attitudes toward holiday work, and many companies now prioritize giving staff the day off.
For consumers, this means adjusted expectations. Instead of spontaneous Thanksgiving Day shopping trips, planning ahead for Black Friday or the pre-holiday days becomes key.
At Ace Hardware, that model appears to dominate: prepared holiday branch closures, followed by robust post-holiday openings and deals.
Final Thoughts
If you were hoping to walk into an Ace store on Thanksgiving for hardware supplies, it’s safest to assume you’ll find locked doors. The odds favor closure. But by checking your local store’s info and planning ahead — especially targeting Black Friday or the days around the holiday — you can still get what you need with minimal hassle.
We’d love to hear from you — share your local store’s holiday experience in the comments or drop a tip for fellow shoppers trying to plan ahead.