Stanwood Ace Hardware & Paint

Started coming here when we bought a home nearby, and needed to pick up some improvement items that invariably go with that. The place has really convenient hours which is a plus for the last-​minute runs, but really the difference is the staff. Everyone who works here is friendly and asks if they can help, and usually they can.
The contrast was stark when, in deciding to pick up some paint for a last-​minute room fix, I stopped into the «old timey» town hardware and paint store downtown where the regulars hang out. They were running a sale at the time. I was there about 20 minutes and no one offered to help, everyone was busy talking to each other at the counter with occasional glances toward the «stranger.»
I walked out and headed over to Ace, had someone approach me in the paint aisle in under 30 seconds, and the went out back to find exactly what I needed and showed me an alternative about ¹⁄₃ the price– now that’s great customer service! That’s why I’ve been coming back, and every time I do it is the same friendly experience.
Only complaint is prices on some items here are steep, it is more a company marketing/​merchandising issue than a store problem, but definitely check around first. But the crew is great and when I factor in the difference in driving 20 miles further to Home Depot, this place makes bottom-​line sense as well. Recommended.