Ace Hardware and Menards Lead in Customer Experience: Study Finds Service Trumps Scale for Home Improvement Retailers.

Ace Hardware and Menards topped the 2025 Home Improvement Retail Benchmark Study with the highest Customer Experience (CX) scores, outperforming national big box competitors on factors such as helpful staff, store ease, and trust. While Home Depot and Lowe's continue to lead purchase share, consumers are increasingly valuing service and confidence when making purchasing decisions. Ace Hardware and Menards excel in areas such as assistance availability, store layout, and product variety.