Just wondering from you guys what keeps you going to your local hardware/mom and pop supply stores. I know many people have a loyal following for old school hardware stores with USA products, but honestly the only two hardware stores that are not chain owned in the city I live in, don't have much stock at all. It is nice to be able to go down to the Ace hardware and buy parts for lawn equipment they stock, or speak with the owner, who is also the mechanic. However, when it comes to me being in need of tools or home repair supplies, for me it's almost pointless to go anywhere but lowes, no one else has lumber, paint, lots of plumbing or garden supplies, insulation, appliances, or plumbing fixtures. I do have two electrical supply stores in town that have more than lowes keeps in stock, which is nice, but thats their specialty. I don't mind supporting local small business, but they seem to only stock the items that sell often, and are closed on weekends and after 5:00 weekdays. Before lowes came to town, you still had to go one city over to buy most of what you need for home repair, unless it was something small that ace or true value might stock. Does anyone have a hardware store that is worth bragging about? Or have a hardware store that puts the big box stores to shame? I know a small business can't compete with the large stock of items big box stores have, but what keeps you guys going back to the local guy in your area?
your local hardware store vs. box stores
- Thread starter mech-tech
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KCarGuy
Well-known member
I depends on what I Need...
I prefer to go to my Local Hardware store, who carries some wierd odd ball hardware and parts that the Big Box stores do not. Plus actually know what they are talking about.
Or...The Local Lumberyard instead of the Twisted, warped **** that the Big Box stores carry.
Dont get me wrong, I do also hit Menards, Lowes and Home Depot for certain items also.
But, I still like to mainly support my local Mom and Pop stores.
Its going to be a Sad, Sad day when they dissappear.
I prefer to go to my Local Hardware store, who carries some wierd odd ball hardware and parts that the Big Box stores do not. Plus actually know what they are talking about.
Or...The Local Lumberyard instead of the Twisted, warped **** that the Big Box stores carry.
Dont get me wrong, I do also hit Menards, Lowes and Home Depot for certain items also.
But, I still like to mainly support my local Mom and Pop stores.
Its going to be a Sad, Sad day when they dissappear.
sasquatch12
Well-known member
- Joined
- Nov 6, 2013
- Messages
- 403
All this stuff with the big box stores moving in and gradually taking over is a sad situation.
In my area , i,m 35 miles from a bunch of big box stores, and i boycott them. I drive past them another couple of miles and go to a family run large hardware store that has been in business since 1952.
Great bunch of people, great service, and the store is FULLY stocked. The father who started this store in 52 still works there a bit each day, up in his 80,s now,and his family is excellent with customers.
Stop in there for something and a staffer is right there to assist, they know what they have, how things work, and will find what you need right away.
So many of the other stores are a real joke, staff have no clue, run and hide if you try to find someone for assistance. They only hire people who have no talent, and will work for minimum wage and could care less about the customer. A bunch of dunces.
In my area , i,m 35 miles from a bunch of big box stores, and i boycott them. I drive past them another couple of miles and go to a family run large hardware store that has been in business since 1952.
Great bunch of people, great service, and the store is FULLY stocked. The father who started this store in 52 still works there a bit each day, up in his 80,s now,and his family is excellent with customers.
Stop in there for something and a staffer is right there to assist, they know what they have, how things work, and will find what you need right away.
So many of the other stores are a real joke, staff have no clue, run and hide if you try to find someone for assistance. They only hire people who have no talent, and will work for minimum wage and could care less about the customer. A bunch of dunces.
jjjrmx5
Well-known member
Yep. I;ve got 4 with a 15 mile radius of me.
My most local carries things that Lowes would not even dare to stock.
Hammer handles? Yep. Lots of them. Lowes and HD, nope. Not a chance.
I needed a case of small hammer handles over teh summer. They were in inside of a week. Good luck with special orders at Lowes or HD.
I asked my local mom and pop to order me a case of new Endere's 6 in 1's so I could buy a few.
He ordered six cases.
Thier hours are 7am to 6pm and 80-90% of thier business is local contrators and tradesman,
Thier hardware pullout bin section is 100 feet (30 yards) long alone.
I may shop the bix box stores for bulk items or for price, but having a architecture/design/engineering backround, I end up being asked for answers from customers on questions that the store staff has no clue of.
Big box stores cater to new or newer aged homes and their owners where it's all bling, simple repairs, and easy materials. That;s fine, unless you own a older house with a slate roof, box gutters, plaster walls, and acutally sized 2x6 and 2x8 floor joists.
I think Menards is a far better overall store than Lowes and HD, but, just like a grocery store, sells and stocks goods, and not help or advice. It's like asking a grocery store butcher or stock clerk for a recipe for cooking what your are buying. You get a blank stare.
Gentrified neighborhoods with old housing stock will always keep mom and pops because the big box stores do not and will not stock the necessary goods. It's just too low of a volume for the bean counters.
Location, personal service, knowlege and trying NOT to be like the big box stores is why mine thrive is my bet.
There's no comparison here.
I go to Home Crapo and Lowes if I want cull grade lumber or basic Chinese tools and overpriced little prepackaged bags of fasteners.
We have a very good Ace H/W that has a much better breadth of product offering and they seem to be thriving from people that can't find what they want at the box stores. Their H/W is actually cheaper because I can buy the exact quantity I want in bulk.
I've found there are two types of Ace's. Those that are well stocked and have 10X the selection and competitive pricing with the box stores and those that have 1/10 the selection but at higher prices.
We have an even better Ace H/W across town (Parkrose Ace H/W. It's a 2 hr round trip but the store is amazing).
I go to Home Crapo and Lowes if I want cull grade lumber or basic Chinese tools and overpriced little prepackaged bags of fasteners.
We have a very good Ace H/W that has a much better breadth of product offering and they seem to be thriving from people that can't find what they want at the box stores. Their H/W is actually cheaper because I can buy the exact quantity I want in bulk.
I've found there are two types of Ace's. Those that are well stocked and have 10X the selection and competitive pricing with the box stores and those that have 1/10 the selection but at higher prices.
We have an even better Ace H/W across town (Parkrose Ace H/W. It's a 2 hr round trip but the store is amazing).
woody 73
Well-known member
I support a local mom & pop Hardware store in central, Ohio, their service is outstanding and they roll out the red carpet for me every time I walk in; on the other hand I will say that the big box stores carry more items and their prices are hard to beat, but service wise I am just a number too them.
Chuck122
Well-known member
I have a small hardware store in town. It really is more a counter with old guys behind it that go to the back store and find whatever you ask for. If they do not have it, they can order it. It is impressive how many obscure items (I mean odd lengths, threads, head design) they have in stock
I support the small ones as much as possible. Like getting a new regulator for the grill. Without having to buy the hose, etc. Just like auto parts stores. You can keep pep boys and autozone. I go to all parts. Men with KNOWLEDGE and have been there for YEARS and stock quality parts.
jeffmoss26
Well-known member
Service.
Chuck122
Well-known member
It's the same for me. I do not only go to the small places when I need something odd to get me out of trouble, but also for really easy stuff. It goes both ways
thdewey
Well-known member
C&M Hardware Gastonia, NC
https://maps.google.com/maps?oe=&ie=UTF-8&q=C+%26+M+Hardware&fb=1&gl=us&hq=c+and+m+hardware+gastonia+NC&cid=4015651833220463421&ei=gJfWUt66HrOmsQT1kYBA&ved=0CKkBEPwSMAs
I have a very small mom & pop HW store just down the street. I go there as often as I can. Even if I'm going to Lowes soon after. I can get just about every staple item there from spray cans to plumbing, caulk to bits and blades and yard tools. Not to mention electrical basics. They even carry some pressure treated 2x4s and 4x4s.
Oh, they even fix window screens.
But if i need anything invented in the last 40 years, I go to Lowes. LOL
Power tools, custom paint, trim, etc
https://maps.google.com/maps?oe=&ie=UTF-8&q=C+%26+M+Hardware&fb=1&gl=us&hq=c+and+m+hardware+gastonia+NC&cid=4015651833220463421&ei=gJfWUt66HrOmsQT1kYBA&ved=0CKkBEPwSMAs
I have a very small mom & pop HW store just down the street. I go there as often as I can. Even if I'm going to Lowes soon after. I can get just about every staple item there from spray cans to plumbing, caulk to bits and blades and yard tools. Not to mention electrical basics. They even carry some pressure treated 2x4s and 4x4s.
Oh, they even fix window screens.
But if i need anything invented in the last 40 years, I go to Lowes. LOL
Power tools, custom paint, trim, etc
Hpozzuoli
Well-known member
I have 2 depots and 2 lowes within 6 miles of me. With that said I go to them for materials and tools. The selection and pricing is much better. I go to my local stores for equipment. The service is great and they know what they sell. I am on my second John Deere from a local dealer. All my outdoor equipment is husqvarna, jonsered, and echo from the local guys. They have the all the manufacturer replacement parts and hard to find accessories the big box stores just don't have. The local guys carry the higher end, better built equipment. My local guys lack in hand tools. They have only craftsman that sears has cheaper and their dewalt and Milwaukee stuff is the same as the big box. They don't have the higher end stuff in these lines. This is just near me. I know plenty of you guys have much better variety at your local stores and wish I did.
finn
Well-known member
The folks at the local lumber yard / hardware store are friendly, helpful, and can get anything you want if you don't mind waiting for the next truck to come in, which may be a day or may be a week. They also give a 10% discount on in stock items if you have an account there and pay within a week or so of the closing date. It's nice to be able to walk in and they know your name. That's the good.
The other local hardware stores are hit or miss, with poorly stocked shelves.
Saying all that, I will make the 100 mile one way drive to our "local" Menards about once a month. Their prices can't be beat, they will also special order things for you, and their large selection really helps in the planning /conceptualizing of a project. It is nice to be able to hold and see an item instead of ordering out of a catalog. I probably spend $100 at Menards for every $1 I spend locally. I also do a lot of impulse buying there.
Home
Depot, I rarely enter as it is 120 miles away in a town that doesn't offer me any other attraction.
Lowes suffers by being across the street from Menards with less selection and higher prices.
The other local hardware stores are hit or miss, with poorly stocked shelves.
Saying all that, I will make the 100 mile one way drive to our "local" Menards about once a month. Their prices can't be beat, they will also special order things for you, and their large selection really helps in the planning /conceptualizing of a project. It is nice to be able to hold and see an item instead of ordering out of a catalog. I probably spend $100 at Menards for every $1 I spend locally. I also do a lot of impulse buying there.
Home
Depot, I rarely enter as it is 120 miles away in a town that doesn't offer me any other attraction.
Lowes suffers by being across the street from Menards with less selection and higher prices.
cinco
Well-known member
I have a really good non-chain store in my city... for sixteen more days. They're closing up shop at the end of the month, after which it'll be nothing but Ace, Lowes, HD, and the 100%-markup farm store. Or, more accurately, it'll be nothing but the internet for nearly everything. If there's a bright side, it's that I did manage to buy their last three freakishly-long Enderes phillips screwdrivers (old stock). They still have a lot of old stock Enderes punches and chisels at 40% off if anyone wants to get a head start on the Enderes Day fun.
Tellingthem
Well-known member
I like both but usually the service at the local hardware store is much better. And sometimes you can find some amazing stuff at the locals that the big retailers would never have. When I lived out west my old store still had bathroom accessories from the 50's-60's. I used some to fix up our bathroom and there is no way I could have found original parts anywhere else for that cheaply.
And a hobby of mine is to stop in to a local hardware in any town I'm visiting and buy something. It's usually something small like a screwdriver but I figure that at the very least it's a small gesture of my appreciation.
And a hobby of mine is to stop in to a local hardware in any town I'm visiting and buy something. It's usually something small like a screwdriver but I figure that at the very least it's a small gesture of my appreciation.
Bob Hall
Well-known member
All of our "Mom and Pops" are gone in Parkersburg. It's sad. We do have a good Ace which is pretty much like the one described in the original post. Good service long time employees but no lumber etc. About 25 miles to the east is an Ace Home Center which has the above plus every kind of building supply. It's a little inconvient for me, but they are in location without a big box store and they are now a complex of many buildings and still adding on. When I was 18 I helped build their first building, it wasn't Ace then and that was a reeeally long time ago.
I still miss Newberry's Andersen's and Wright's with their well worn wood floors and stock from new to many decades old. -sigh-
I still miss Newberry's Andersen's and Wright's with their well worn wood floors and stock from new to many decades old. -sigh-
justanengineer
Well-known member
1. Selection - The box stores **** when it comes to items that 99.999% of people dont buy on a regular basis, plain and simple.
2. Price - Again, for anything of decent quality the box stores ****. If youre buying firewood grade lumber or Chinese hardware, the box store tends to be cheaper.
3. Service - The local places have knowledgeable folks who can answer questions and help you locate, purchase, and load items, not teenagers with their thumbs up their butts.
4. Deals - I like to buy builk in odd quantities for some items like paint and other consumables. The box stores try to sell based upon price x quantity of boxes/shrink wrapped packages. The local joint makes the sale, if I want 7 cans of WD40, they look up their price and haggle accordingly bc they realize making $1/item profit is better than $0/item.
5. USA alternatives - I absolutely HATE it when the box stores dont give me a choice to buy domestic!
2. Price - Again, for anything of decent quality the box stores ****. If youre buying firewood grade lumber or Chinese hardware, the box store tends to be cheaper.
3. Service - The local places have knowledgeable folks who can answer questions and help you locate, purchase, and load items, not teenagers with their thumbs up their butts.
4. Deals - I like to buy builk in odd quantities for some items like paint and other consumables. The box stores try to sell based upon price x quantity of boxes/shrink wrapped packages. The local joint makes the sale, if I want 7 cans of WD40, they look up their price and haggle accordingly bc they realize making $1/item profit is better than $0/item.
5. USA alternatives - I absolutely HATE it when the box stores dont give me a choice to buy domestic!
We have several Mom & Pops in our area, one only 2 blocks away from the house, I don't buy as much there as I should mostly because they are higher priced than Menards etc... and the fact that they aren't open on Sunday, the day I do most of my home repairs.
The store I miss was half hardware store and half ship chandlery, It had been around since 1893, My dad and I would go there just to poke around seeing what cool stuff we could find, When the last owner died none of the family wanted to take it over and they auctioned everything off, was a great auction lots of 100 yo NOS.
The store I miss was half hardware store and half ship chandlery, It had been around since 1893, My dad and I would go there just to poke around seeing what cool stuff we could find, When the last owner died none of the family wanted to take it over and they auctioned everything off, was a great auction lots of 100 yo NOS.
There is a small, local lumberyard/hardware store here. I like using it because they still sell hardware by the piece, nails by the pound, etc. Want ten washers or a single eyebolt? Go to the bin and grab only what you want.
Oh, wait. They closed up shop just before Xmas and the place is for sale. I doubt anyone will buy and re-open it. I have been using it since the mid-70s.
Oh, wait. They closed up shop just before Xmas and the place is for sale. I doubt anyone will buy and re-open it. I have been using it since the mid-70s.
shooting4life
Well-known member
- Joined
- Nov 19, 2012
- Messages
- 334
I would support locally owned shops if they were open on weekends. I work 8-5 and am not usually home till 6. Every parts store has been closed for awhile by the time I can shop.
crewchief888
Well-known member
theres only one or 2 local ace hardware stores that i know of around here.
only been in one of them, high prices, little selection.
had some window glass cut by them back in the fall. out of the 6 pieces i had cut, only 1 was the right size. they missed on seveeral pieces by 1/4" and cut one so crooked it was laughable.
only been in one of them, high prices, little selection.
had some window glass cut by them back in the fall. out of the 6 pieces i had cut, only 1 was the right size. they missed on seveeral pieces by 1/4" and cut one so crooked it was laughable.
I really appreciate old style hardware stores and lumber yards. They are so much better than the big commercial chains. I could enjoy going to the hardware store or the lumber yard. I don't like going in the big chain stores. Ace hardware stores are hit or miss for me. They are not run the same everywhere.
I love it when I need a specific piece of hardware and the guy says hmmm, let me see, then comes out with it in about 45 seconds. I appreciate the service, advise, and the personal type service that they offer.
I love it when I need a specific piece of hardware and the guy says hmmm, let me see, then comes out with it in about 45 seconds. I appreciate the service, advise, and the personal type service that they offer.
zakmartin
Well-known member
The Seattle area is lucky to have McClendon Hardware, which stocks a WAY better selection of fastners, lumber and paint than Lowes or Home Despot. Sadly, their tool selection is fairly dismal. I go to McClendon whenever I need to stock up on bolts, screws, lumber, plumbing, etc. Their staff is very knowledgable and they're really proud of their hometown roots. For tools now, I mostly shop online. Amazon, Tooltopia, Cripe Distributing, Summit Racing and lately, Snap-on's website have been getting a lot of my business. From time to time, I'll check out the Sears Outlet on the weekend (there are two close by) to look at the US Craftsman Industrial stuff and pine for the old days.
EOC_Jason
Well-known member
We have a little Sears Hardware around the corner, I go for Craftsman stuff but also they have a WAY better selection of nuts & bolts & screws than the big box stores. There is also a True Value near by that is super expensive but will have the most random things so when you need something in a pinch...
Otherwise I go to HD for everything else.
Otherwise I go to HD for everything else.
AV tinker er
Well-known member
The mom and pop shop that is ~0.6 miles away never has anything, shelves are always empty, but they can order anything you need; which is helpful if you can wait, but usually most projects supplies are needed rather quickly.
There is an awesome smaller store "Karl's Hardware" that is 15-20 miles away, it is on my way to and from work and that little store is literally bursting at the seems with stuff. Quality stuff. If Im able to love to shop there, but if I need something quick on the weekends HD/Lowes it is...
There is an awesome smaller store "Karl's Hardware" that is 15-20 miles away, it is on my way to and from work and that little store is literally bursting at the seems with stuff. Quality stuff. If Im able to love to shop there, but if I need something quick on the weekends HD/Lowes it is...
cburnscrx
Well-known member
I have an Ace nearby, and they're part of a 3 store chain. It's fine because it's close and I can buy 1 screw if need be. Truthfully I like the store as a whole. Additionally they still have some Craftsman USA stuff and will price match Sears. In general they're way overpriced though, so I'll drive by them to go to Lowes if I need anything in any amount of quantity.
Service - I don't really give two rips about service, just let me buy my **** and leave me alone.
Service - I don't really give two rips about service, just let me buy my **** and leave me alone.
BDT/NWMN
Well-known member
The big box stores are an extra 80 miles added to a round trip in my case.... If the local lumber yards, hardware stores or auto supply have, or, can order what I need for a reasonable price; I support the local businesses.
For lumber, my favorite lumber yard delivers better quality materials than I can get for the cash and carry price at Menards...
Local iron yard and favorite Ace have good selections of bolts.... Both exchange welding cylinders also, and Ace is tough to beat for house paint..
Tools,;;; Local Ace has the common items... Extension cord or trouble lite, saw blades, , to name a few.. My rotary laser and 240V heater were off the shelf items there as well.. If you are looking for homeowner grade tools, they have a good selection of Ace branded and Craftsman tools..
Much of my AC equipment was either stocked or ordered from a local auto supply.
For Quality USA mechanic tools, I check fliers from the same local auto supply.. Gaps are easily filled on the WWW with online shopping and doorstep delivery..
Menards, Lowes, Home Depot, Sears and Wal-Mart are all ok stores; and stock some of my favorite selections.
For lumber, my favorite lumber yard delivers better quality materials than I can get for the cash and carry price at Menards...
Local iron yard and favorite Ace have good selections of bolts.... Both exchange welding cylinders also, and Ace is tough to beat for house paint..
Tools,;;; Local Ace has the common items... Extension cord or trouble lite, saw blades, , to name a few.. My rotary laser and 240V heater were off the shelf items there as well.. If you are looking for homeowner grade tools, they have a good selection of Ace branded and Craftsman tools..
Much of my AC equipment was either stocked or ordered from a local auto supply.
For Quality USA mechanic tools, I check fliers from the same local auto supply.. Gaps are easily filled on the WWW with online shopping and doorstep delivery..
Menards, Lowes, Home Depot, Sears and Wal-Mart are all ok stores; and stock some of my favorite selections.
All our local lumber companies are gone except for one who specializes in fancy hardwoods. I love going there for their service. It's all rough cut and you can tell them to plane it down to your dimensions.
We have a great Ace that is well stocked and I can buy just the amount I need. Their service is great prices are on par with everyone else. I have multiple Lowes and Home Depots in every direction but I still usually head to the Ace first.
I work for a company that has always focused on being the best, not the cheapest, and I like to shop at stores with that same mindset.
We have a great Ace that is well stocked and I can buy just the amount I need. Their service is great prices are on par with everyone else. I have multiple Lowes and Home Depots in every direction but I still usually head to the Ace first.
I work for a company that has always focused on being the best, not the cheapest, and I like to shop at stores with that same mindset.