Actually it's more like the stores vote with their feet and run away. FWIW, one that we had close by was Bob's Ace Hardware. I don't care what hour of the day you went there they were totally crowded and people always came out with carts full of stuff and also big ticket items like Weber grills of all variety up to and including Summits. No one can tell me they were not turning a $$$$. But, Menard's stayed right here. Sorry not gonna drive to an inconvenient location just to say "I bought it at Ace". Now the former Bob's Ace is home to a Rockford Rescue Mission thrift store. Hardly a place a shop for my projectsThe sad thing is that people say they want the old-fashioned hardware store, but they vote with their feet (and wallet) and go to Home Depot, Lowes and Menards. I still have memories of that hardware store smell from when I was a very little kid in the 1960s!
A place like Ace tries to straddle the line between the old hardware store and the modern big box ones. Being in a small town in rural Indiana, our Ace is sheltered from some competition, with big box stores being 30 to 60 miles away. Our store just moved to a much larger location. A gamble, for sure, but it is very nice to now have a much larger local selection for hardware and supplies - and even quite a large assortment of Weber grills!
Thanks, found it!Good tip, Jay! That is certainly the first place to look. It does depend on the size of your Ace location how much you will be able to find.
Absolutely!My family started the hardware store in the small town I live in. I’ve told the stories many times, so I’ll spare you guys this time. But a while back the hardware stores property owner sold the land to an investor who leveled it for an atrocious apartment complex. It was 6 or 7 years without a hardware store (15 minute drive for Menards). But man, was it missed by everyone.
Now more than ever, I will buy anything I can from there. Even if it’s cheaper at Menards, I’ll save my time and spend extra to support small businesses. Especially if it helps keep it here. I’ll wait to buy tools/attachments from them when they do the Memorial Day/4th/Labor day., etc. sales as usually they’re right in line with big box stores then. I got my Dewalt battery string trimmer there for the same price as a farm and fleet a couple years ago, plus a 10% veteran’s discount (which f&f also does).
Agree wholeheartedlyI certainly agree with all the sentiments. I grew in a small town in MA, where I could walk to as a kid. The worn wood floors and smells and tools captivated me. Started my fascination with hardware stores. I ALWAYS support the small biz guys. Cost isn’t as important to me as Quality, selection, Warranty, and most importantly WHO answers the phone when there’s questions or problems. I just HATE the impersonal box store chains, poor selection, crowds and overworked/under appreciated staff. Recently moved to CO, and there’s 2 Ace’s. Near me. 1 is brand new the other has been updated (it’s huge & the have a weapons dept). The new concept relies Heavily on hardware asst. I visit those stores 3-5 times a week for my job and my hobbies. They’re the closest thing to ‘old time’ hardware stores I’ve found. They’ve had All the little bits to finish off my grills. Plus they’re Weber dealers with a Huge selection of grills and parts/accessories. A virtual gold mine for me.
GLuck, Jay
Oh crap, sorry, that was the Mrs. LolVery well done Steve. Did you cook those donuts in the grill???
it makes no sense. I think it’s an iphone thing. This is the only environment where this occurs.It is probably some setting on the camera app of your phone.
Whole 30 prep lol… She was making these this morning.Very well done Steve. Did you cook those donuts in the grill???