True Value is a hardware store cooperative, not a chain owned by one company
True Value is a cooperative — a business structure where individual store owners pool resources and buy inventory together. You do not walk into a corporate headquarters; you walk into a store run by a local owner who has joined the True Value network. The owner buys stock through True Value's distribution system, uses the True Value name and branding, and follows True Value standards, but operates independently.
This structure matters because it means True Value stores vary more than you might expect from a national brand. One True Value in Colorado Springs may stock different inventory than one in Portland, Maine. Hours, pricing, and what services they offer — key cutting, paint mixing, tool rental — depend on the individual owner's decisions. The cooperative model also means True Value stores often compete directly with big-box retailers while staying locally owned.
True Value was founded in 1948 as a purchasing cooperative and remains one of the largest hardware cooperatives in the United States. The company operates distribution centers across the country and sets baseline standards for stores that carry the True Value name, but the store you visit is not a franchise in the traditional sense — the owner is a member of the cooperative, not a franchisee of a parent corporation.
Key Takeaways
- True Value stores are independently owned but part of a cooperative that handles purchasing and distribution, so inventory and services vary by location.
- You can find your nearest True Value store and check its hours and services through the True Value website store locator.
- True Value stores typically offer hardware, tools, paint, lawn and garden supplies, and often services like key cutting or paint mixing, though not every location provides every service.
- Prices may differ between True Value locations and between True Value and big-box competitors, so comparing before you buy is worth doing for larger purchases.
What you can typically find at a True Value store
True Value stores stock the standard hardware inventory: fasteners, hand tools, power tools, plumbing supplies, electrical supplies, paint, stain, brushes, lawn and garden equipment, and seasonal items. The depth of inventory varies. A True Value in a rural area might carry fewer specialty items than one in a city, and a smaller True Value location may not stock everything a larger one does.
Many True Value stores offer services beyond selling products. Common services include key cutting, paint mixing and matching, tool rental, and glass cutting. Not every location offers all of these — you can call ahead or check the store locator on the True Value website to confirm what your nearest store provides. Some locations also offer delivery for large purchases like lumber or mulch, though this depends on the individual store.
True Value also carries private-label products under the True Value brand, which are typically lower-priced alternatives to national brands. These cover basics like nails, screws, paint, and hand tools. The quality and availability of private-label items can differ between stores.
How True Value pricing compares to other hardware retailers
True Value prices are not set by a central corporate office. Each store owner sets their own prices, so you may see different prices at two different True Value locations for the same item. This also means True Value prices can be higher or lower than Home Depot, Lowe's, or local independent hardware stores depending on the specific store and product.
Because True Value is a cooperative, individual stores often compete on price and service rather than relying on brand recognition alone. Some True Value owners price aggressively to compete with big-box retailers; others may price higher if they offer more personalized service or convenience. For large purchases — lumber, appliances, or bulk materials — it is worth calling a few stores to compare.
True Value stores often run local promotions and sales that differ from store to store. Some locations offer loyalty programs or contractor discounts. Check with your local store about current deals, or ask whether they price-match competitors in your area.
True Value's relationship to Ace Hardware and other cooperatives
True Value and Ace Hardware are both hardware store cooperatives, but they are separate organizations with different ownership structures and supplier networks. Ace Hardware is also independently owned but operates under a different cooperative model. Neither owns the other, and they compete directly in many markets.
There are also smaller regional hardware cooperatives and independent hardware stores that operate similarly to True Value — locally owned, buying through a cooperative network. The cooperative model is common in hardware retail because it allows small owners to compete with large chains by pooling purchasing power.
If you are looking for a hardware store in your area, True Value and Ace are the two largest cooperatives, but your options also include big-box retailers, local independent stores, and online retailers. Each has different strengths: cooperatives often offer more personalized service and local knowledge, while big-box stores typically have lower prices and wider selection.
How to find and contact your nearest True Value store
The True Value website has a store locator tool where you can enter your zip code or city and see nearby locations, hours, phone numbers, and sometimes the services each store offers. This is the fastest way to confirm whether a True Value is near you and what it stocks or provides.
You can also call a True Value store directly to ask about specific products, services, or pricing before you visit. Because each store is independently owned, the person who answers can tell you exactly what that location has in stock and whether they offer services like tool rental or paint mixing.
Some True Value stores have websites or social media pages where they post local sales and promotions. If you plan to shop at a specific location regularly, following their social media or signing up for their email list can alert you to deals.
True Value's online ordering and delivery options
True Value operates an online store where you can browse products and place orders for delivery or in-store pickup. The online inventory may differ from what is in your local store, and shipping times and costs vary. Some True Value locations offer same-day or next-day pickup for online orders, while others may take longer.
Delivery is available through the True Value website for many items, though delivery fees and timeframes depend on your location and the product. For large items like lumber, mulch, or appliances, some individual True Value stores also offer local delivery — call your nearest store to ask about their delivery service and pricing.
The True Value website also lists current sales and promotions that may or may not explore to your local store. When you order online, the site will show you pricing and availability for your area.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is True Value the same as Ace Hardware?
No. Both are hardware store cooperatives where individual owners are members, but they are separate organizations with different supplier networks and ownership structures. They compete directly in many areas. Each cooperative has its own stores, policies, and pricing.
Can I return items to any True Value store?
Return policies vary by store because each True Value is independently owned. Most accept returns with a receipt, but the timeframe and conditions differ. Call your local store or ask at the register about their specific return policy before you buy.
Does True Value offer contractor discounts?
Some True Value stores do offer contractor discounts or accounts, but this is up to each individual store owner. Call your nearest True Value and ask whether they have a contractor program and what it requires to join.
Why are prices different at different True Value stores?
Because each True Value is independently owned, each owner sets their own prices. True Value provides the cooperative purchasing network and distribution, but pricing decisions are local. This is why the same item may cost more or less at two different True Value locations.
Can I order True Value products online and pick them up in store?
Yes, many True Value stores offer online ordering with in-store pickup through the True Value website. Availability and pickup times vary by location. Check the website for your nearest store to see whether it offers this service and how long pickup typically takes.