Ace Hardware

As soon as I walk into the door there is always someone there to greet me and help me. Good selection, and I’m usually in and out in no time.

Went in to buy a Stihl Chainsaw. The first young man they sent over to help me stated he knew nothing about these saws so he’d get someone to answer my questions unless I just wanted to go ahead and buy it with no answers. Of course I wanted answers so next came a very grouchy older man who came to answer our questions but cut me off while asking the first question… snapped at me then proceeded to tell me the product book I was looking at would provide everything I needed to know while basically walking away. I obviously felt insulted and got the impression they were not interested in selling me a saw since I couldn’t even ask one question. I bought elsewhere. I sincerely hope management or higher has a talk with the grouchy blue eyed older gentleman with regards to his attitude and customer service skills or lack there of. I have an Ace closer to home and have never had issues there, but they don’t sell Stihl. This Ace seems to be staffed with employees whom either cannot help due to training issues or just do not want to help due to an attitude issues. I would recommend going elsewhere and recieve your service with a smile.

The younger staff clearly need more training or experience. Don’t keep the store open and close out the cash drawer.

I went into store on first day of a 4 day sale, arriving before 2 pm fri. They did not have the advertised tool. I asked the old man, presumed manager, about a rain check. As he walked away into the back room, he said over his shoulder «not on advertised items.» Later it clicked: when else does one need a rain check? It is always on special prices. And the ad did not say «no rain checks.» So if they do not have 6 hrs of inventory for a 4 day sale then I suggest you trade at another store such as Clements.

Bottom Line: It’s a smallish hardware store but the shelves are packed and the staff is helpful.
Of course Ace is not going to have the selection of Home Depot or Lowe’s, but for basic hardware stuff, Ace is the place and if you are in the SP area, it closer than going to the big box stores. Here’s what keeps me returning to this store:
— The location in Park Plaza is convenient on my way home.
— The have all the basics I need for my never ending home projects.
— The staff is always friendly and helpful. Yes, they actually know where to find stuff on the shelves.
— Ace’s paint brand, Clark and Kensington, has been rated #2 by Consumer Reports.
— If they don’t have something you need in the store, they probably do offer it online. That means they can order if for you and probably have it delivered to the store with two days.
Not surprisingly, their prices are higher than the big box stores but if you join the rewards program and remember to use your coupons, it probably evens out. Also, there are always coupons on the back of the Giant register receipts. Never come in here without a coupon!