Get'n a Menards - What do I need to know

[pst496]

Within 10 miles of me, I have a Lowe's, Home Depot, Hackman lumber yard, Ace and True Value hardware stores. Not to Mention Sears hardware and Harbor Freight. I see now they are building a Menards as well. I hear a little about it on threads here but What are the things I need to know and how does it compare to the big box stores; Lowes and Home Depot that I have?

 

[purplezr2]

Nothing special, lots of cheap asian stuff. I worked there for 6 months at one point in my life/.

 

[ringneck]

My experience, others likely differs... They are a little more bargain basement than a Lowes. Building materials are relatively inexpensive, however not real straight. I order about 10-15% more than I need, as they their return policy is good (send back all the crooked stuff).

The rebates and returns result ina store credit A LOT. If that isnt an issue for you they run an occasional good deal. For exampe I bought a lot of material for my new build at Menrds and got an 11% rebate on everything I purchased (store credit). I turned it into two 46" tool cabinets, that are quite nice. Made me happy.

Either way competition is good, and I can see having a Menards moving in be good for folks like us.

 

[allinon72]

I'm there every week. Lots of USA products along with your typical cheap stuff. Much more products and better selection than other big boxes. Store layout is a bit weird. They have a Made in the USA sale twice a year.

 

[colt zantop]

They have ALOT of cheap junk but also some nice stuff mixed in. Just depends on what your buying. really got to watch the wood...its lower grade....

 

[purplezr2]

FYI, they own MM brand(midwest Manufacturing) so all that stuff is basically their own, lots of nail, door and stuff like that in that brand.

 

[Ray916MN]

I really like them. They have in the past couple of years really improved their stores and store operations. Bought over $6K in lumber from them last year and about $3K in lighting. They were easily 10-20% below everyone else. Excellent return policy and reasonable delivery rates.

They are typically lower priced than Lowes or Home Depot on the exact same goods. Some of the stuff they sell is low quality and inexpensive.

Their store operations are top notch. They have kiosks which enable you to look up past receipts so you can return stuff for cash instead of store credit. I was really surprised at what they did when I went back to a store to see if I left a bunch of stuff I had bought in the store. From the retrieved receipt they looked up the security footage from my checkout and were able to see that I left with everything I bought.

 

[tdkkart]

Menards got a bad reputation some years ago for carrying primarily cheap Chinese ****. their tool selection rivaled Harbor Freight, their building materials generally sucked, and they never quite stocked everything you needed to complete the job at hand, always had to go somewhere else.

If you haven't been to a Menards in the last 5-10 years, you need to go back. Menards has made MAJOR strides towards improving the quality and selection in just about everything they sell. Their tools are MUCH better, lots of major brand names on the shelves now. The last building materials I bought from them a couple years ago were quite acceptable, much better than my last experience with materials from Home Depot. Their prices on electric wire typically blows Home Depot right out of the water.

In recent experience, their employees are quite knowledgable, without being a pain in the *** like the people at Home Depot. Just last week I was in Menards buying some flooring, also needed some concrete patch, had an idea where it was at but thought I'd ask just to save myself the search. As I'm leaving the flooring area(far east end of the store) I asked one of the guys where the concrete patch was. Guy says, "I'll show you", and proceeds to walk me all the way to the far west end of the(Big) store and right to what I was looking for. He was pleasant and knowledgeable(unlike the idiots I find at Sears) without being an overbearing/irritating *** like many I run into.

I enjoy shopping Menards much more than Home Depot. Can't compare them to Lowes as I'm still holding my promise to not shop with them as long as the front door says "Entrada" on it. Menards signage is all still in English.

 

[wedge40]

We have Lowes and Menards. I spend most of money at Menards. Same products lower prices. Lowes has better appliance selection, but thats about all.
And for some stuff I'll drive the 30 miles to go to Home Depot.
Wedge

 

[Gary S]

If I had to compare them,
Lowes- Home decorating store.
Menards - Building supply and hardware store.
Home Depot - Mexican swap meet.

 

[maybe smith]

I love me some Menards! It has always been my go to store, I've spent Thousands there.

 

[jlckmj]

When they decide to put something on sale you will not beat their prices anywhere else. I bought about 20 six inch can lights for my house rebuild / remodel for about $1.50 each after I sent in for the cash rebate from the manufacturer.

Like said above, returns are never questioned if you have a receipt, or get a receipt from them. I have found it better to always used the same credit card at menards, then if I need to find the receipt, I stop at the kiosk and look it up by the card.

I am sure it might be my store only, (I doubt it) but I do not like their delivery service, it is a private operator, and most likely the cheapest bid, they ****. Just watch the sales, they will let you know what is happening in your local newspaper through a flier.

Jim

 

[Arne73]

Menards for most of the reasons listed above. Check out the Masterforce tool box line if you are in the market, good quality for the price.
One reason I quit Home Despot, the lack of cashiers and the use of self check outs. Personal preference I guess.

 

[SMKS]

Menards, like all big box stores, does have some cheap junk. But, they focus on USA made goods, so they have more USA made stuff than HD or Lowe's, from my experience. Since they focus on USA, they often mark the tags of items that are USA made, so you can easily tell without looking at all the packages.

As far as tools, they have way more USA made stuff than HD or Lowes. Their Masterforce line of hand tools is pretty much all USA made. The hard tools are Apex stuff, the screwdrivers and picks are Pratt-Read.

I like Menards more than the other big box stores, but their closest store is 30 miles away. I haven't bought lumber there, though. But, I've been super disappointed with the quality of the HD lumber I bought recently, so I may try Menards in the future.

PS - Buy this pick set on your first trip to Menards. It's made by Pratt-Read in the USA and it's very good quality for the price at just $5.99. I own both the PR and Masterforce versions. You can thank me later.

http://www.menards.com/main/tools-h...4-piece-precision-hook-pick-set/p-1502767.htm

 

[Dadstoy]

Bought some 2x4's in the Menard's store in Richmond Indiana. I was directed to drive to the security gates where I was then directed to where the 2x4's were. No one there to help me. I went through a pile of lumber to find about 20 good straight 2X4's. Still no one there to help me or to help load. I load the lumber I wanted and drove to the security gate to leave. While there I hear a hissing sound. Ive got a huge staple in my sidewall of one of my new tires. The guy running the gate calls the manager. After a long waite the store manager comes out and says I need to file a claim. I don't want a claim I want someone to help me change a tire because I have had recent knee surgery. Manager says its against store policy, No help. I changed the tire in the parking lot ,had my tire repaired and refuse to shop there again. Most useless bunch of people I ever dealt with. And I told them that.

 

[dogmir]

As mentioned they have some things good somethings bad. I find for structural lumber they are always cheaper. They have less warped, and not beat to hell 2x4. Not to mention they have a lot more selection of lumber. Well of everything really. I have been in a Lowes up north, as we don't have them in Madison. It was like Home Depot but instead of orange it was blue. Menards is a bit different. They tend to have quite a bit of stuff that has rebates too. Seems like every time I am in there for a project at least one item will have a rebate.

 

[HD FLHX]

It will have some nice looking cashiers

 

[cyamaha2007]

Where will the new store be located im just in Wright City Mo. Just outside of St. Charles.

 

[jhelrey]

It will have some nice looking cashiers

Not the one off of University in St. Paul, MN. Some of the ladies there have more facial hair than I do...

 

[justanengineer]

My experience is their stock is either exactly the same or better quality than the other box stores for a lower price. I shop at Lowe's quite a bit too bc its ~500 ft from my doorstep compared to ~3 miles for Menards and bc of Lowe's appliance clearance section, but given equal distances I probably wouldnt go to Lowe's much. Menards "must do" - find the tool clearance display. When mine clearances something, they dont bs around and go ~30-70% off instantly.

 

[allinon72]

I forgot to comment on prices...I find them to be very good. As mentioned, some sale prices even beat Amazon. I find the lumber to be decent, but my view might be skewed as my local Lowes has embarrassing lumber.

 

[Gary S]

Not the one off of University in St. Paul, MN. Some of the ladies there have more facial hair than I do...

They likely built a nicer garage for themselves than you did too.

 

[jhelrey]

I didn't have to build... My house came with it!

 

[jeepmedic]

The Menards is going to be on Spencer road basicly crosscorner from Costco, there was going to be another in the LSL/Ofallon area but it is on hold per this article

http://ofallon.patch.com/articles/m...on-pace-to-open-in-spring-2013#photo-12534565

I have gone to the one in Columbia MO as my work commute past and present take me by it and I am looking forward to having alot closer to Ofallon where I live for unplanned trips.

 

[cashishift]

Nothing special, lots of cheap asian stuff. I worked there for 6 months at one point in my life/.

exactly what i was going to say.

 

[cyamaha2007]

Man its gonna be sweet. Im always seeing posts about this or that at menards now i can go check it out.

 

[racinfarmer]

Not the one off of University in St. Paul, MN. Some of the ladies there have more facial hair than I do...

Consider the neighborhood...

 

[jomobco]

I got a pole barn from them. They did a decent job.

 

[Scout Driver]

It will have some nice looking cashiers

This ^^^^^. Especially during the summmer.

A couple times a year they will have sales that involve mailing out a paper sack in a local paper. The sack is like a grocery sack and will be for 10% to 20% off of anything you can jam into the sack. Pick out the tools you want and wait for a 20% off sale.

Scott

 

[tdkkart]

Consider the neighborhood...

He's got a point there.......Been a number of years(28) since I've been there, and it wasn't real good then.

 

[tdkkart]

A couple times a year they will have sales that involve mailing out a paper sack in a local paper. The sack is like a grocery sack and will be for 10% to 20% off of anything you can jam into the sack. Pick out the tools you want and wait for a 20% off sale.

Just did this last weekend, got me a whole raft of Hansen socket trays at 20% off, couple other things too.

 

[superdutymike27]

For me it's the closest of the big box stores to me. The other reason it is a Wisconsin based company and somehow I feel spending money their keeps money in the state which in reality probably doesn't!

 

[unluckyty]

What I don't like is Menards rebate is in store credit only, no cash back to you. Strange cashier set up, you bag your own items and get your own reciept a few feet down from cashier. Positive, at least the have a cashier and not u scan.

Greg

 

[NUTTSGT]

When I first visited the store, I didn't like them . . .. change ? Everytime I went back, I spend more there and watch their ads. They put some decent stuff on sale for good prices.

Some of their stuff is name brand while other stuff is china junk (no different than anybody else) and then they have typical middle of the road stuff. I bought all my siding for the garage there as it matched the house and would have been a custom order elsewhere. When I bought all of the Double 4 siding including open stock, I got it for about half off since it wasn't something they carried all the time. The trim and Dutchlap were stock items so I can get j-trim or coil stock anytime.

I'd say give them a shot. The Menard's card also offers 6 months interest free on a $300 purchase or a rebate. That helps when doing a big project.

 

[Dick in Wisconsin]

Menards has really improved. 25 to 30 years ago I would buy lumber or hardware (nuts, bolts, or screws) there. Junk. I sorted through a lumber pile once in La Crosse (WI) 25 years ago and couldn't find two straight T&G 2x8's. Why buy T&G lunch if it isn't straight?

But they have dramatically improved the overall quality of their products.

Home Depot is 4 miles away, Menards is 18, no Lowes close by. I prefer going to Menards. I think the Menards store is laid out better, the selection is better, and the prices seem reasonable. I've made some substantial purchases there and have been happy. When I needed to return something (like $4,600 of wood flooring) there was NO hastle and it was easy as can be.

For stuff like nuts, bolts, and screws ... I still prefer to go to the hardware store (Ace).

When the store is built, report back.

 

[theaton]

No military discount offered.

 

[kyles974]

when I lived by one, I would go there for certain things and go to Lowes for certain things....loved both for different items. (except menards was hard to get around, shelves to close together and wide carts)

miss it time to time now in south, no menards around here.

 

[duke5572]

Menard's is devoting more and more floor space to groceries and clothing.

The one near me now has a full 10 aisles (short aisles, sure) of mostly junk food, a couple of dairy coolers, and a frozen case.

The entire front end of the store is taken up by clothes. Yes, some are "work" clothes, but there are plenty of cheap t-shirts, hats, etc. piled up there too.

In my opinion, you leave the clothes and the food to wal-mart (which is always nearby) and focus on hardware & home improvement.

Oh, there will also be a huge area (roughly 1/5 of the store) devoted to Christmas decorations/giant inflatables/random holiday ****. It will appear in late August and remain through January.

I still shop there. I like that most of their building supplies are "on the shelf" or in the yard---I don't have to sit down and have a consultation with an "expert" and then order what I need. I just go grab it.

 

[pfctblu]

I deal with them all the time both personally and professionally. The company has a few odd policies (store credit, processing, lumber yard etc.) but generally the people are pretty decent. My local Menards electrical dept manager is first class. Like many businesses, its the people that make the place.

 

[signcrafter]

Nothing special, lots of cheap asian stuff. I worked there for 6 months at one point in my life/.

Menards has WAY more USA products and sales then HD or LOWES. Menards sales flyers always say if a product is made in the US. Sure they offer cheap asian junk like anyone else since that's what the majority of people want but they also take pride in made in USA products.

No one there to help me. I don't want a claim I want someone to help me change a tire because I have had recent knee surgery. Manager says its against store policy, No help.

Did you ask for some help at the gate? I've needed help loading full pallets of stuff before and have to track down a forklift and the employees are scarace but if you ask they will help you. I'm sorry your tire got a puncture but for it to be in the sidewall I would say you either hit something or hit it with some lumber with staple in it. While it ***** that we as people can't just help each other it's because people are sue happy. If they would have changed your tire and it fallen off on the way home and you get in an accident 9 out of 10 people will sue the store for a million plus dollars. Not saying you would because I don't know you but that is what our society has come to because of lawsuits. If you couldn't change the tire then you should have called a tow company and tacked that onto your claim and tried to get them to pay for it.

Menard's is devoting more and more floor space to groceries and clothing.

I was there yesterday and picked up 5 jacks pizzas for 9.95! I think they are 3 bucks or so at walmart, don't eat a lot of pizzas but buy them when on sale because they are cheap and easy if working in the garage.



Menards is my favorite out of all the home imporvement stores. They all have their pros and cons but overall menards comes out on top. They have the best by FAR plumbing and electrical departments, HD and Lowes aren't even close. Menards has some good deals on tools, and a good assortment of US tools for many things. Also menards tool boxes are the best I have seen without spending huge bucks, they are always on sale. I think they are better built than HF. The lumber is straighter then HD and lowes, at least in my area.

The thing about menards is they usually have two options, a cheap junk option and a more quality option. The quality option is often as cheap as HD junk option. Maybe different stores have different products but our local menards is in a whole nother league then HD or lowes. There are a few things that HD and lowes have that menards doesn't and some things they offer are better then the menards option but 9 out of 10 times it's a trip to menards over the others.