Aikenhead's Hardware
| Company type | Private (formerly) |
|---|---|
| Industry | Retail (hardware) |
| Founded | 1830 in Toronto, Canada |
| Founder | Joseph Ridout |
| Fate | Acquired by The Home Depot |
| Headquarters | Toronto , Canada |
Area served | Greater Toronto Area, Southern Ontario, Northern Ontario |
| Owner | Molson (1971–1994), The Home Depot (1994–) |
Aikenhead's Hardware was a Canadian chain of hardware stores that served the Greater Toronto Area, Southern Ontario, and Northern Ontario. The business originated in Toronto in 1830 under the name "Ridout's Hardware Store," founded by Joseph Ridout, with its first location at the intersection of King Street and Yonge Street.
In 1868, James Aikenhead and Alexander Crombie, who were employees at the time, joined as partners, prompting a name change to "Ridout, Aikenhead, & Crombie." The company adopted the name Aikenhead's in 1893 following Aikenhead’s acquisition of Ridout’s and Crombie’s shares.
Ownership passed from the Aikenhead family to Molson in 1971. In response to competition from American retailer The Home Depot, Molson initiated a warehouse-style operation in 1991. By 1994, Molson divested its 75% ownership to Home Depot, which then positioned Aikenhead's as its Canadian branch. Molson fully withdrew from the hardware industry in 1999 after selling Beaver Lumber to Home Hardware.