Ace Hardware and Menards Gaining Ground on Big-Box Rivals

DIYers appear to be retooling where they shop for their home-improvement projects, a just-released study concludes.  According to Market Force Information’s 2025 Home Improvement Retail Benchmark Study, Ace Hardware and Menards earned the highest customer-experience scores in the category, outperforming national big-box competitors on such factors helpful staff, store ease and trust.

Though Home Depot and Lowe’s continue to lead purchase share, consumer feedback in the survey signals a shift in where shoppers are choosing to spend. (Walmart also appeared among the most-shopped retailers, largely driven by smaller repair or seasonal project purchases.)

“This year’s results show that great experiences still beat great advertising,” said David Murray, Senior Director of Customer Experience Strategy at Market Force Information. “Shoppers reward brands that make their lives easier—clean stores, fast checkouts helpful staff, and real value. That’s where Ace and Menards shine.”

Respondents pointed to ease of finding items, store layout and price transparency as ongoing frustrations across the category, but also said Ace and Menards are addressing those “pain points” better than anyone else.

The survey drew responses from more than 1000 U.S. consumers; half identified themselves as DIY enthusiasts, while another 26% buy materials but hire professionals—a sign that both do-it-yourself and do-it-for-me segments are fueling growth for retailers serving the sector, Market Source Information said.

Click here for more results from the survey.