Just found out the Ace hardware I always go to is closing down. This really sucks , been going there many years Everything is 30% off, so far I got out cheep, only spent 80 bucks, got a post hole digger and odds n ends. Going back to get some wood handles for my broken stuff. Did I say this REALLY , REALLY SUCKS A hardware store is better in many ways than the box stores The next closest store isn't on a par with that one.
When we lived downstate, there was an old hardware store that sold anything, and everything. Everyone who worked there knew how to do anything, instead of just ringing up your purchase. I miss that place.
Been going there 28 years I think there might be something wrong with me, being this upset about a hardware closing
I hate it when the little stores have to close their doors too. It always seems like they were the ones working the hardest against impossible competition. If I'd been going there for 28 years, it would bother me even more. You know everyone there, and you know there's going to be a lot of changes for them. Let's hope they all land on their feet and you're able to find some good deals anyway.
Not a thing wrong with being upset about that. The ace around here seems to have the stuff that home depot and lowes don't have. Plus more knowledge.
Nothing wrong with being upset....I had a hardware store I used to go to and could give them the slightest hint of what I was trying to do and within minutes they would have it figured out and gave me what I needed....I so miss that store and the older guy that ran it...He knew his chit...
I agree completely!! Lost more than a few good mom and pop ones over the years. Usually with lower prices and much better service than the big guys forcing them out.
Nothing wrong with you. I grew up in a small (now larger town) outside of Denver in the foothills. My Grandpa worked at a hardware store called "The Hardware store" forever. It was a fantastic store just like you are talking about. Walmart moved in and didn't do so hot, but when Home Depot moved in that place shut down within a year It was devastating to the families that had lived there for a long time. I would to this day rather pay them an extra 5 cents for a screw than go into that sad sick Home Depot.
Sad reality seems to be that too many folks don't understand or care how important the small local stores are to their communities. These businesses support local schools and events. They participate in the lives of those they serve. When a bright shiny new box store opens up 20 miles away, too many folks will drive right past their old local store, spending more in gas than they'll "save" at the BBS, and then be totally shocked when the little guy goes out. Some call it progress… spit… snort… … … ahhhhhh …
Totally agree! The box stores are a just add water chain that just seems to run the small mom and pops out of business. I have to say, here where we live there are several box stores to choose from but there are also a couple franchised ace hardware stores still making it. Hats off to them.
The ACE I used to go to was great. Had a crazy nuts/bolts selection, was nearly the length of the store. All sorts of stuff in stock that the big boxes would never carry. Some years back they "super sized" to a huge building put up on the property and its been crap since. Almost no nuts/bolts. They sell cell phones, USPS shipping, and other random bath and body works junk. Their "plumbing" section is about 10ft long. i i i i i I went in one day for a toilet wax ring and they didn't even have that.
That's too bad. If mine were to close, I'd have to drive another 20 minutes to the HD. Then again, the local guy doesn't have a lot of stuff I'm looking for either, and charges a lot.
That Store had a Really good selection of fasteners etc, and none of it was 8ft off the floor They fixed Windows n screens, Prices were good to
One thing I've found is the big boxes around here have CRAP quality lumber. I once bought a whole bundle of 8ft 2x4s at Lowes. (225) to build a chicken coop and some firewood racks. I wasn't being super fussy but I ended up returning well over 60% because they were not usable. I expected a few rejects but what was in the bundle was laughable. They fought the return too, saying that by buying a bundle I couldn't "cherry pick". I wouldn't have bothered with returning a few bad sticks out of the bunch, but I wasn't going to eat $300 worth of lumber! The laughable thing is they have signs all over the lumber section that says to the effect of "we only carry premium wood... our inspectors sort the wood so you won't have to". I'd love to know who the hell is actually looking at this wood! Once a bundle is opened up, and customers cull the bad stuff, why is it left in the stack?! I was chastised at Lowe's once for opening a new bundle because what was left of the open bundle was just the junk.
I wouldn't eat 60 percent either Maybe you could have built a half round chicken coop My favorite lumber yard closed down 4 years ago, bummer on that to
We had a local owned Ace and it closed. Then some outfit that owns a whole bunch of Ace Hardwares opened several new ones. It's not the same. Kinda pricey now too. Same with John Deere. Seems like all the franchisees are only interested in the big boys.
There is a hardware store within walking distance from my house. It is so much easier and faster to shop there. I can almost find what I want. They seem to be doing pretty well. I hope they don't go anywhere.
It's kind of interesting that their sales technique with the bad stuff boils down to just plain bullying.... We won't accept it for our kids as they're growing up yet it's a perfectly acceptable business practice. I refuse to buy the poor quality stuff and will go through a 100 boards to get one good one if I have to... I've experienced the same thing several times when they complain about cherry picking. I just tell them to go away. At least when I return the good stuff they won't put up an argument.
