Many shoppers are asking the same important question this season: is Ace Hardware open on Thanksgiving? With the holiday approaching and last-minute projects on the rise, it’s understandable that customers want clarity before making plans. Thanksgiving often brings unexpected household needs—everything from quick repairs to sudden hardware shortages—and knowing whether your local Ace Hardware is open can make the day much easier.
For 2025, updates across the cooperative chain show that most Ace Hardware stores are expected to close for the holiday, but a few may still choose to operate with limited hours. Because each location is individually owned, Thanksgiving schedules are not identical across the country. That means your specific store may follow a different plan from others, which makes early checking essential.
Why Ace Hardware Stores Differ on Thanksgiving
Ace Hardware’s business model sets it apart from major retail chains. Instead of a centralized system dictating uniform hours, the company allows store owners the flexibility to create schedules based on local demand, staffing availability, and community preferences.
This setup leads to important differences:
- Some stores prefer to close completely to allow employees time with family.
- Others may choose a short morning schedule to accommodate local customers who need last-minute hardware items.
- A few locations in busy metropolitan areas may adopt slightly extended holiday hours because demand remains high.
Since ownership is local, holiday hours often reflect the traditions and traffic patterns of the specific community, meaning Thanksgiving hours may not match what customers are used to during typical weeks.
Current Thanksgiving 2025 Outlook for Ace Hardware
Based on the most recent holiday trends and updates from various regions, several consistent patterns have emerged across Ace Hardware locations for Thanksgiving 2025.
Most Ace Hardware Stores Are Expected to Close
Many stores traditionally shut their doors entirely on Thanksgiving. It’s a trend that has grown stronger in recent years, as many retailers shift toward giving workers the full holiday off. Hardware stores, in particular, have seen reduced Thanksgiving foot traffic, which makes full-day closure a common choice.
Some Locations May Open for Short Morning Hours
A small number of stores may decide to open briefly. These limited hours typically cover:
- Quick home-repair supply runs
- Emergency replacements
- Brief pre-meal errands
- Customers preparing for Black Friday projects or winter repairs
However, these cases are exceptions, not the rule. If a store does open, it generally stays available only during the early part of the day—often closing before noon.
Store Owners Have Full Control Over Thanksgiving Hours
Because decisions are made locally, the best way to know is simply to check your specific location. Two stores within the same city can even have different holiday plans, especially if they serve different neighborhoods or customer types.
Reasons Shoppers Want to Know Ace Hardware’s Status
Thanksgiving may not be known as a traditional hardware shopping day, but unexpected home situations can easily arise. Many homeowners find themselves needing last-minute supplies for:
- Fixing a wobbly dining room chair before guests arrive
- Replacing outdoor light bulbs
- Repairing a malfunctioning garbage disposal
- Securing loose decorations turned by winter winds
- Handling small accidents like broken drawer handles
- Picking up tools needed for holiday cooking or home projects
Because these issues often happen suddenly, customers want quick clarity on the holiday schedule to avoid wasting time visiting closed stores.
Best Ways to Check If Your Ace Hardware Will Be Open
Since each location sets its own hours, verifying locally is essential. Here are dependable methods:
1. Store Locator
The official locator tool on the Ace Hardware website allows customers to search by ZIP code or city. Most stores update their holiday hours in advance, especially for major holidays.
2. Direct Phone Call
Calling ensures a clear and immediate answer. Staff members often provide specific details about:
- Opening and closing times
- Whether curbside pickup is available
- Special Thanksgiving policies
- Black Friday preparation schedules
3. Social Media Announcements
Some independently owned Ace Hardware locations announce holiday hours using platforms like:
- Facebook pages
- Instagram posts
- Local business profiles
Stores that rely heavily on community engagement often post updates weekly during the holiday season.
4. Signage on Storefronts
Because some customers prefer physical visits, many stores post holiday hours on doors and windows ahead of time. These notices are usually displayed for several weeks leading up to Thanksgiving.
Typical Operating Hours Compared to Thanksgiving Variations
Most Ace Hardware stores follow standard business hours during regular weeks. While schedules differ, common hours include:
| Day | Usual Hours |
|---|---|
| Monday–Friday | 8 a.m. – 6 p.m. |
| Saturday | 8 a.m. – 5 p.m. |
| Sunday | 9 a.m. – 4 p.m. |
On Thanksgiving, these hours rarely apply. Instead, stores adopt one of two approaches:
Full Closure (Most Locations)
- No store hours
- No curbside pickup
- No in-store services
- Online ordering remains available, but pickup is delayed until Friday
Limited Holiday Hours (Few Locations)
Typical open windows include:
- 8 a.m. – 10 a.m.
- 9 a.m. – 11 a.m.
- 7 a.m. – 12 p.m.
Owners who choose this route often base decisions on community tradition or expected holiday foot traffic.
What Customers Can Expect on Thanksgiving Morning
For shoppers who discover their Ace Hardware is open, here’s what holiday visits usually look like:
- Light staffing, making quick visits easier
- Shorter lines, as Thanksgiving hardware traffic is generally low
- Limited services, such as fewer team members at specialty counters
- Reduced inventory access, because certain departments may not be staffed
- Faster shopping trips, due to shorter operating hours
If your local store opens, it’s wise to arrive earlier in the operating window to ensure you get what you need before doors close.
How Online Ordering Works on Thanksgiving
Even if your physical store is closed, the website remains available for browsing and placing orders. While same-day pickup won’t be available, ordering online gives shoppers the chance to:
- Reserve items ahead of Black Friday crowds
- Lock in availability
- Prepare for weekend projects
- Use holiday promotions that may begin early
Many customers take advantage of the quiet holiday hours to research materials or plan upcoming home improvements.
What to Do If Your Local Store Is Closed
If your Ace Hardware is closed this Thanksgiving, consider planning around the closure:
1. Check for nearby alternative locations
Another store only a short drive away may be open with limited hours.
2. Prepare early
If you anticipate the need for hardware items, shop the day before Thanksgiving to avoid the holiday rush.
3. Use online tools
Many home tasks can be diagnosed or prepared without in-store assistance.
4. Plan hardware-heavy projects for Friday or the weekend
With stores reopening the next day, delays are often manageable.
5. Keep essential items stocked before holidays
Items like spare screws, nails, batteries, and simple repair kits save time during unexpected emergencies.
Common Items Shoppers Look for on Thanksgiving
Based on seasonal trends, customers often seek:
- Light bulbs
- Extension cords
- Outdoor timer switches
- Grill accessories for holiday cooking
- Fireplace tools
- Space heater supplies
- Snow shovels and ice melt in colder regions
- Basic hand tools
- Kitchen hardware fix-its
Because many homes host guests during the holiday, homeowners often notice minor issues they didn’t see earlier.
Ace Hardware’s Approach to Supporting Communities on Holidays
One unique aspect of Ace Hardware’s cooperative structure is how strongly many stores value community support. During holiday periods, store owners weigh whether remaining open will provide meaningful benefit to customers. Some stay open because they know their communities rely on them for urgent needs, while others close to allow staff quality time off.
This balance reflects why Ace Hardware remains a trusted neighborhood business: decisions are made with local customers in mind, not from a distant corporate mandate.
Should You Expect Ace Hardware to Be Open in Your Town?
Because Thanksgiving trends differ widely by region, here’s what customers generally experience:
More likely to be closed
- Small towns
- Suburban neighborhoods
- Family-operated locations
- Areas where community tradition emphasizes holiday closures
Possibly open for limited hours
- Busy metro centers
- Tourist-heavy areas
- Locations attached to larger shopping complexes
- High-traffic stores preparing for Black Friday projects
However, the only reliable answer comes from checking your local store directly.
Practical Tips for Thanksgiving Hardware Needs
To avoid interruptions to your holiday routine, consider the following tips:
- Make a list of any needed items two days before Thanksgiving.
- Review your home for quick fixes you might need to address.
- Call ahead early in the week to confirm local hours.
- Purchase backup essentials such as batteries or light bulbs in advance.
- Keep common tools easily accessible before guests arrive.
These small steps help prevent last-minute stress if your Ace Hardware is closed.
Final Thoughts
Thanksgiving is a day when families focus on time together, but hardware needs don’t always take a holiday. While most Ace Hardware stores are expected to close for the day, a few may open for short morning hours depending on local decisions. Because of the cooperative ownership structure, checking directly with your preferred location is the best way to avoid any surprises.
If you visit or call your local store this season, feel free to share your experience—others may find it helpful as they plan their day. Let us know what your store’s Thanksgiving schedule looks like and how your holiday preparations are going.
FAQ
1. Do all Ace Hardware stores close on Thanksgiving?
No. Most locations choose to close, but a small number may open for limited hours depending on the owner’s decision.
2. How can I confirm my store’s Thanksgiving hours?
Check the store locator, call directly, or view posted announcements at your location.
3. Is online ordering available even if stores are closed?
Yes. You can order anytime, but pickup will begin once the store reopens.