One day, a Greek peddler suggested to Hesse to buy mediterranean sponges by the container rather than by the unit. Hesse realized that this method would allow him to reduce costs. Not being able to buy everything alone, he contacted some local merchants to offer them this unique business opportunity.

Merchants were interested and they bought into it.

That is how Richard Hesse sowed the seeds of purchase by commercial franchise. Hesse continued his bulk buying to save money, establishing the Ace concept of buying at the best price possible. Buying at the lowest possible price allowed retailers, even the smallest, to compete against larger banners. More than three quarter of a century later, this method is still valid.

At its beginning, the company was a private group who applied the basic principles of the banner using the name Ace as a central element of its strategy. This name was chosen at random during a meeting, when a truck passed by bearing the "Ace Laundry” inscription. Beyond luck, Richard Hesse realized that the name Ace appeared among the first entry in the telephone directory and had many positive connotations (being an ace).

In 1928, the company was incorporated under the name Ace Stores, Inc.

Among the innovations implemented by Richard Hesse, there are also commercial conventions, which allow traders to meet in a common place to see all national products and to know the promotions offered.

1968 was a milestone year for Ace. By opening a store in Guam, the company began to conquer the international market. Over the years, Ace has developed a network now covering more than 60 countries.

In the mid-1980s, Ace entered the paint market producing its own line of paint with plants having cutting edge technology.

At the turn of the 21st century, Ace announced an expansion strategy to consolidate the activities of its dealers throughout the world so that each customer is offered the same Ace customer service no matter the country they are in.

In Canada, there are now more than 130 neighbourhood hardware stores that carry the Ace name proudly and offer every day the same quality of Ace Helpful service that you would expect anywhere else on the planet.