Metal Supermarkets

Metal Supermarkets

Franzy VerifiedInformation based on 2026 FDD

Retail · Other Retail Businesses

Investment min
$398K
Total: $398K–$671K
Avg gross revenue
$2M
Unit-level, 2026
Franchise fee
$50K
Veteran discount available
Royalty
3-6%
Locations
98
Franchising since 1987

Description

What is Metal Supermarkets?

Metal Supermarkets has revolutionized the metal supply industry since 1985 by creating a retail-focused approach to metal distribution. Think of it as your neighborhood metal store, where convenience meets expertise. This unique franchise concept provides small-quantity metals to both businesses and consumers, filling a crucial gap in the market between industrial metal suppliers and traditional hardware stores.

What sets Metal Supermarkets apart is their commitment to exceptional customer service and convenience. Franchisees operate clean, organized retail stores that offer same-day service, custom cutting capabilities, and a wide variety of metal types and sizes. The business model caters to diverse customer segments, from professional contractors and manufacturers to DIY enthusiasts and hobbyist welders.

The franchise's success is built on its ability to provide an accessible, hassle-free experience for customers seeking metal supplies. Each location maintains an extensive inventory of various metals, including steel, aluminum, stainless steel, brass, and copper, available in multiple forms such as sheets, plates, bars, tubes, and pipes. The ability to purchase exact quantities needed, combined with value-added services like cutting and fabrication, has earned Metal Supermarkets a loyal customer base across North America.

For entrepreneurs, Metal Supermarkets offers a proven business model with multiple revenue streams, comprehensive training, and ongoing support. The franchise's reputation for reliability, technical expertise, and customer-first approach has established it as a trusted name in the metal supply industry, making it an attractive opportunity for business-minded individuals looking to enter this specialized retail sector.
  • World's largest small-quantity metal supplier
  • Nearly 40 years proven industry experience since 1985
  • 8
  • 000+ metal products in stock
  • 85 active franchise locations
  • Same-day pickup and delivery services

Location Analysis

Where Metal Supermarkets wins

Metal Supermarkets demonstrates strategic concentration in industrial corridors across the Northeast, Great Lakes, Mid-Atlantic, and Canadian markets, with presence in major metros including Toronto, Greater Los Angeles, Chicago, and Dallas-Fort Worth. This geographic positioning aligns logically with the brand's target customers—metal fabricators, machine shops, manufacturing facilities, and trade contractors—who cluster in regions with diversified industrial economies. The 4.2–4.5 star average rating reflects solid customer satisfaction, particularly among B2B users who value expertise, custom cutting, and small-quantity purchasing without minimums. Review themes reveal competitive strengths: knowledgeable staff, time-saving convenience versus traditional suppliers, and inventory breadth. However, recurring concerns about premium pricing, inventory gaps on specialty items, cutting precision inconsistency during peak periods, and variable staff expertise suggest operational execution varies across locations. The moderate review volume (20-150+ per location) is characteristic of B2B-focused retail where industrial customers generate fewer online reviews than consumer segments. Ideal territories feature established manufacturing, fabrication, and construction activity within concentrated drive-time zones, requiring commercial/light industrial real estate with vehicle access and 3,000-6,000 square feet for inventory and operations. Success appears contingent on regional industrial density rather than population scale alone. Prospective franchisees should conduct thorough territory analysis validating sufficient commercial customer concentration, assess competitive metal supplier presence, and evaluate local industrial economic stability before site selection.
Total US locations
85
Franchise units
98
Corporate locations
1
Avg. sq. footage

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Financial Analysis

The numbers behind Metal Supermarkets

Avg gross revenue$2,192,668
Investment range$397,500 – $670,500
Investment midpoint$534,000
Brand fund2%
Royalty3-6%
Franchise fee$49,500
Min. net worth$500,000
Min. liquid capital$150,000

Veteran discount available

Metal Supermarkets participates in a veteran discount program on the franchise fee. Ask your Franzy advisor or the brand for current eligibility and terms.

Metal Supermarkets presents a specialized B2B retail model with a nearly 40-year operational history and 85 units, suggesting proven franchise viability in a niche industrial segment. The $397,500–$670,500 investment range reflects moderate capital requirements typical of inventory-intensive retail operations requiring warehouse-style facilities, specialized cutting equipment, and substantial metal stock. Reported gross revenue of approximately $2.19 million per location indicates meaningful transaction volume, though margin structures in metal retail—characterized by commodity price volatility, inventory carrying costs, and custom cutting labor—warrant careful examination. The business model's reliance on B2B customers (fabricators, machine shops, contractors) provides recurring revenue potential but ties performance closely to regional industrial activity and construction cycles. Scalability depends on access to commercial/industrial customer density, as the 15-30 minute drive-time positioning limits each territory's addressable market. Operational complexity includes inventory management across multiple metal types and grades, skilled staff capable of technical consultation, and precision cutting services requiring both equipment maintenance and trained personnel. The moderate unit count after four decades suggests selective expansion rather than aggressive growth, possibly reflecting geographic constraints or capital intensity. Investors should assess local industrial base strength, competitive positioning against bulk suppliers, and working capital requirements for inventory fluctuation before committing to this specialized retail format.
Did you know? Metal Supermarkets operates in the specialized retail sector serving industrial and trade customers with custom-cut metal products. Initial investment ranges from $397,500 to $670,500, reflecting costs for warehouse-style facilities, metal inventory across multiple alloys and grades, precision cutting equipment, and commercial site development. Founded in 1985 with 85 current units, the franchise targets markets with strong manufacturing and contractor presence. Franchise fee information was not provided in available data.

Financing partners

Vetted partners, tailored to franchisees

Your Franzy advisor can connect you with these partners later in the process — competitive rates, specialized in franchise financing.

FranFund

Lender

CRF USA

Nonprofit SBA lender; provides financing for franchise acquisitions, startups, and expansion.

Lender

First Bank of the Lake

Lender

Pension Pros

Lender

The model

How Metal Supermarkets works

01
Ownership
Part-Time (Executive)

Owner stays in an executive role — sets strategy, hires a manager, and oversees crews. Typically 5–20 hr/wk after ramp; many keep their day job.

Full-Time

Owner runs the business as their primary job — leads the team day-to-day on the ground, 40+ hr/wk.

02
Revenue
Recurring revenueTransaction-basedBig-ticket salesService-basedProduct sales (retail)Hybrid model
03
Customer
B2B

Sells to businesses, contractors, or property owners.

B2C

Sells directly to consumers and homeowners.

Mixed

Serves both businesses and consumers.

FDD Item 7

Initial investment range

$398K–$671K
Most common
$397,500
Minimum
$534,000
Midpoint
$670,500
Maximum

Per FDD Item 7, total initial investment ranges from $397,500 to $670,500. The midpoint $534,000 is what most franchisees report at signing — financing typically reduces cash-at-close by 80–90%. Knowing the investment range helps you plan confidently and ensure you're fully prepared to make the leap.

FDD Item 19

Average gross sales

$3M$2M$2M$1M$500KN/A
$2M
$2M
$2M
2022
2023
2024
Avg
$2M
YOY change (2023 -> 2024)
-4%

According to Item 19 of the Franchise Disclosure Document, Metal Supermarkets has an average gross revenue of $2M. (Note: This information is based on the latest FDD in our records. Please review the Franchise Disclosure Document (FDD) and confirm this information directly with the brand. We make no claims of accuracy for the information presented.)

Growth over time

Franchise footprint

0% YoY
100806040200
2017
2018
2019
2020
2021
2022
2023
2024
85 units open as of 2026 FDD

2026 Franchise Disclosure

FDD documents

Below are items 2, 3, 4, 7, 11 and 19 for Metal Supermarkets's 2026 FDD. The complete FDD is delivered to you directly by the franchisor, per the FTC Franchise Rule.

Estimated initial investment
FDD Item 7 · PDF
Financial performance representations
FDD Item 19 · PDF
Members-only items
Executive team
FDD Item 2 · PDF
Litigation
FDD Item 3 · PDF
Bankruptcy
FDD Item 4 · PDF
Franchisor assistance
FDD Item 11 · PDF
Members only
Unlock the 2026 FDD

Connect to download Items 2, 3, 4, and 11 — direct from the franchisor.

Buyer FAQs

Frequently asked questions

The initial investment for a Metal Supermarkets franchise typically ranges between $397,500.00 and $670,500.00. This includes the franchise fee, equipment, real estate, and other startup costs. To get a detailed breakdown and better understand the financial requirements, we recommend scheduling a call with the Franzy team. We'll walk you through the specifics and answer any questions you might have. For more detailed information, refer to the financial sections of the FDD.

Disclaimer. The information provided on this page is based on the latest Franchise Disclosure Document (FDD) we have on record, which was issued in 2026. This information is for informational purposes only and is not intended to constitute legal, financial, or business advice. We make no guarantees or claims regarding the completeness or accuracy. Only the franchisor can confirm that the information is complete and accurate and we recommend consulting the franchisor directly for the most recent FDD and regarding any questions that you may have about the information provided.

Metal Supermarkets
Metal Supermarkets
$2M avg revenue · 98+ US franchises

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