Ace Hardware Clearance Sales: Timing, Deals & Tips

Ace Hardware clearance sales are a goldmine if you know the timing, markdown rhythm, and the best ways to stack offers.

From year-round online closeouts to big seasonal resets in-store, you can score quality tools, grills, paint, and more for far less—if you shop strategically.

In this guide, you’ll learn when Ace typically marks items down, what product categories are most likely to hit clearance, which items have frequent specials, and smart tactics to combine Ace Rewards, local ads, and rebates for maximum savings.

When do Ace Hardware clearance sales happen?

Ace runs clearance throughout the year online and in-store, but the deepest discounts usually follow seasonal transitions and product line updates. Think patio and grill markdowns late summer, lawn-and-garden clearouts in early fall, and holiday decor reductions right after the holidays. You can browse current online markdowns on the dedicated Ace Clearance page, then check your local store for additional in-store-only tags.

Typical “end-of-season” timing looks like this: patio furniture and outdoor decor start dropping mid- to late summer; grills and smokers follow as new models arrive; fertilizers, grass seed, and garden tools get marked down after peak growing season (late summer into early fall); snow and ice gear, heaters, and winter workwear discount as spring approaches (February–March). Many stores also reduce discontinued tools and previous-year power equipment when brands refresh.

Markdown cadence can vary by location because most Ace stores are independently owned, but a common rhythm is progressive reductions (for example, 25% → 50% → final markdowns) over a few weeks. Ask an associate when they typically take second- and final markdowns so you don’t miss the sweet spot.

What goes on clearance at Ace?

Plenty—especially seasonal and discontinued items. While selection changes constantly, these categories are frequent candidates:

Grills and smokers: Prior-year Weber, Traeger, and other models often get reduced as new versions arrive. Browse the live grills & smokers assortment to see what’s current, then check stores for closeouts.
Patio and outdoor living: Furniture sets, umbrellas, cushions, lighting, and decor typically take deeper markdowns late summer. See patio furniture to track trends.
Lawn and garden: Hoses, sprinklers, planters, fertilizers, and grass seed often get reduced after peak season. Explore lawn & garden for what’s in-season now.
Outdoor power equipment: Trimmers, blowers, chainsaws, and sometimes mowers go on clearance when brands update lines. Compare current models under outdoor power equipment.
Tools and accessories: Discontinued hand tools, bits, blades, and storage solutions are frequent markdowns—watch endcaps in the tools aisle.
Painting supplies and stains: End-of-batch tints, discontinued colors/labels, rollers, and brushes can be quietly marked down. Check the paint & supplies section regularly.
Heating and winter: Space heaters, ice melt, snow shovels, and traction aids drop as winter wanes.
Holiday decor and lighting: Expect quick markdowns right after each holiday.

Pro tip: In-store clearance often lives on endcaps or a dedicated “clearance” bay. Scan items in the Ace app or ask an associate to confirm the latest price—sometimes the register price is lower than the sticker.

What items usually have monthly specials (not clearance)?

Beyond clearance, Ace runs recurring promos that can beat or match big-box pricing—especially for Rewards members:

Red Hot Buys and Local Ad features: Monthly and local promos on household essentials, small tools, and seasonal items. Check your Local Ad weekly.
Instant Savings (Ace Rewards): Member-only discounts automatically apply at checkout—no clipping required. Join free via Ace Rewards.
Cleaning, batteries, and filters: Look for BOGO or multi-buy deals on trash bags, paper goods, household cleaners, AA/AAA batteries, furnace filters, and water filters.
Propane exchanges and softener salt: These cycle onto promos regularly and can pair with Rewards points for strong net prices.
Paint events: Holiday weekends and seasonal refreshes often bring dollars-off gallons or buy-more-save-more deals on select paints and stains.

How to stack savings at Ace Hardware

1) Join Ace Rewards and use it every time

Enrollment is free, and points add up fast: you typically earn points on most purchases and receive periodic coupons and member-only deals. Activate your account at Ace Rewards, then enter your number at checkout to ensure you capture points and Instant Savings.

2) Combine Local Ad deals with clearance

Occasionally, Local Ad offers overlap with an in-store clearance tag or manager’s special. Check the Local Ad before you go; bring item numbers so associates can help you find them quickly.

3) Hunt rebates you can stack

Ace frequently lists manufacturer or store rebates on power equipment, tools, paint, and more. Review the current offers at the Ace Rebate Center and submit online as soon as you purchase. Instant Savings usually stack with manufacturer mail-in rebates—read each offer’s terms to confirm.

4) Shop online clearance, pick up in store

Online-only markdowns sometimes beat store tags, and in-store-only markdowns can be even better. Start with the Clearance page, then use the Store Locator to check local availability for pickup. If your store is out, nearby locations may still have stock at the same clearance price.

5) Stack with cards, portals, and gift cards

If you shop online, consider using a cash-back portal or a credit card with hardware/home improvement bonuses. Buying discounted Ace gift cards from reputable sources can add extra savings—just verify terms and balance before you purchase.

Key policies and caveats to know

Returns: Clearance items are often returnable if new/unused with receipt, but rules vary by location. Review Ace’s Returns & Exchanges and confirm with your local store.
Price matching: Some stores may offer price matching at their discretion. Policies can vary—start with Ace’s Customer Service policies and ask your store about local rules.
Assembly and delivery: Free or discounted grill/big-item assembly and delivery promos pop up, often at participating locations only—check details in the Local Ad.
Inventory differs by store: Because Ace stores are locally owned, clearance selection and timing vary. Call ahead or use the Store Locator to confirm stock.

Sample yearly clearance calendar

Use this quick calendar to anticipate when different categories usually cycle to markdowns. Exact timing varies by climate and store, but the pattern is reliable:

January: Holiday decor, lighting, and select space heaters.
February–March: Snow shovels, ice melt, winter apparel, remaining heaters.
April–May: Early deals on spring cleanup tools; occasional closeouts on last year’s indoor tools and organization.
June: Garden hand tools and watering accessories begin to trickle onto markdowns as peak demand passes.
July–August: Patio sets, outdoor decor, charcoal, and some grills/smokers start larger reductions.
September: Lawn care (fertilizer, seed), garden power tools, select outdoor power equipment.
October: Air conditioners, fans, summer pest control; pre-winter deals on shop heaters.
November–December: Fall decor, outdoor lighting, and early holiday overstocks after key dates.

In-store tactics to find hidden markdowns

Walk the perimeter and endcaps: Clearance often clusters at the back wall or on endcaps near the department.
Scan or price-check: Ask an associate to scan items; sometimes the register shows a lower price than the sticker.
Ask about the next markdown: If you’re eyeing a shelf full of the same item, staff can often hint when the next drop is due.
Check multiple stores: Use the Store Locator—selection can vary widely across locations.
Open-box and returns: Gently used or opened items may receive additional discounts—inspect carefully and confirm return eligibility.

Bottom line

If you time your trip around seasonal transitions, watch the Local Ad, and stack Ace Rewards with rebates from the Rebate Center, Ace Hardware clearance sales can deliver 30–60%+ savings on high-quality gear. Keep a running list, check the online clearance page, and don’t be shy about asking your local store when the next markdown wave is coming.