Metal Supermarkets

Metal Supermarkets

Franzy VerifiedInformation based on 2026 FDD

Retail · Other Retail Businesses

Investment min
$398K
Total: $398K–$671K
Avg gross revenue
$2.193M
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.
  • Small-quantity metal sales
  • Cut-to-size service
  • Industrial and hobbyist customers
  • Walk-in metal retail
  • No minimum order requirements

Location Analysis

Where Metal Supermarkets wins

Geographic concentration in Ontario, the Great Lakes region, and multiple U.S. states including Florida, Pennsylvania, and Texas reflects strategic positioning near manufacturing centers and industrial corridors. The Greater Toronto Area clustering and presence in metros like Tampa, Philadelphia, Dallas-Fort Worth, and Detroit aligns with the need for proximity to fabricators, machine shops, and manufacturing customers who value immediate material access and custom cutting services. The 4.3-4.6 star rating range with moderate B2B review volume suggests solid customer satisfaction, with positive feedback emphasizing staff expertise, custom cutting convenience, and small-quantity availability—critical differentiators against bulk distributors. Common criticisms around higher per-pound pricing and limited hours highlight inherent tensions in the convenience-focused B2B service model versus pure commodity competition. The ideal customer base spans commercial fabricators, hobbyists, maintenance professionals, and technical institutions, requiring territories with sufficient industrial density to support specialized inventory. Review patterns indicating variability in staff knowledge across locations suggest franchise-level execution differences that prospective investors should investigate during validation. Successful territories likely require commercial zoning, industrial park proximity, and populations supporting both professional metalworking operations and advanced DIY communities. Prospective franchisees should conduct thorough local market validation, assessing manufacturing business density, competitor presence, and customer acquisition costs specific to their territory before committing capital.
Total US locations
99
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 mature franchise model with 98 units operating since 1985, reflecting sustained viability in the specialized metal retail niche. The investment range of $397,500-$670,500 positions this as a mid-market franchise requiring substantial capital but remaining accessible compared to large-format retail concepts. The reported gross revenue of approximately $2.19 million per location suggests meaningful sales volume, though investors must recognize this figure predates cost of goods sold, labor, occupancy, and other operating expenses typical of inventory-intensive retail operations. The business model combines product sales with value-added cutting services, creating dual revenue streams but also operational complexity requiring technical staff expertise and equipment maintenance. The 3,000-5,000 square foot facility requirement and inventory carrying costs represent significant working capital demands beyond initial investment. Scalability considerations center on the specialized B2B customer base—growth depends on local manufacturing density and commercial activity rather than population alone. The franchise's longevity suggests proven systems, but the moderate unit count relative to 39 years of operation indicates selective expansion rather than rapid growth, potentially reflecting territory saturation challenges or capital intensity constraints. Investors should model conservative cash flow scenarios given commodity price volatility, competitive pressure from online metal suppliers, and the specialized operational knowledge required for success.
Did you know? Metal Supermarkets operates in the specialized retail sector, serving commercial fabricators, manufacturers, and metalworking professionals with custom-cut metal products. The franchise requires an investment ranging from $397,500 to $670,500, reflecting the capital demands of warehouse facilities, specialized cutting equipment, and diverse metal inventory. This mid-market investment supports a B2B-focused retail model with 39 years of operational history and 98 locations across North America.

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

Avg
$2.2M
YOY change (2024 -> 2026)
+1%

According to Item 19 of the Franchise Disclosure Document, Metal Supermarkets has an average gross revenue of $2.2M. (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

+15% YoY
98 units open as of 2026 FDD+13 in last 12 mo

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
$2.193M avg revenue · 98+ US franchises

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