oldhudson Posted January 17, 2014 Report Posted January 17, 2014 I read yesterday morning in the St. Paul paper that this great hardware store is selling out to some comglomerate. Located very near downtown, in a neighborhood that's being gentrified, it's been my "go to" hardware store for 25 years. The employees are knowledgable and did'nt mind working with civilians. Their inventory there was unreal. You could find a butt hinge from 1/2" to 8" in 4 finishes. The wasn't a drill bit they didn't stock. Twice a year they'd have a sale and factory reps from all the tool companies would set up tents in the parking lot. Every power tool from routers to jig saws to hammer drills was there and could be handled. I mention this here because they had a great on-line store too. Another small business destroyed by the big box stores. I apologize for my rant. bobscroll 1 Quote
rjR Posted January 17, 2014 Report Posted January 17, 2014 (edited) We have a "ACE" about a mile away that is somewhat like your store. This one does NOT have a lot of power tools; but, the plumbing , electrical, and fastener selections are great! Abour 15 people work there(extimate) and of the bunch only one is ??? -- the rest are just fantastic. Anytime we lose hardware stores it proves the country is becoming less capable of actually fixing/inventing/making anything! The young spend time on video games not MAKING THINGS! Stiffles imaginations, abilities, and ambitions all at once! YEAH for US! ---- Turning into nation of idiots!-- If it isn't video related in 30 years, nobody will be able to work it! Now there are 2 RANTS! Difference-- I am not sorry for the rant! Hope someone actually notices; besides me! Edited January 17, 2014 by rjR bobscroll 1 Quote
browders Posted January 17, 2014 Report Posted January 17, 2014 I have to agree that the loss of local hardware stores is sad. I try and patronize the local stores as much as possible. It is amazing that with a little searching in some of these "Mom and Pop stores" the things you can find. Plus, as was mentioned above, the customer assistance is usually much better. Nothing is more frustrating than going into a box store with questions and trying to find answers. The people they hire are too often not interested in hardware related activities, and therefore have no knowledge. There are times I feel lucky if one of the clerks can even point me in the proper direction to find an item. The problem with young people not being interested in learning how to be self-sufficient is a complex one. While not universally true, there are certainly many who find themselves tethered to their electronic devices. This is part of the new generation though, and is hard for those of us in our declining youth to understand sometimes. Somehow we need to meet in the middle and embrace both worlds as best we can. There, 3 rants. Life is good! Jim bobscroll 1 Quote
Ron Johnson Posted January 17, 2014 Report Posted January 17, 2014 Another Rant Yes it's true. No matter where you live today there are fewer and fewer small businesses. Businesses that actually helped build your city and or town. I am fortunate like maybe a lot of you who grew up and lived in an era when life was so much more simpler and caring because you could go into any business and you were welcomed with friendly and knowledgeable people who strived on providing service. Today it's find and help yourself, but just don't get caught. Everyday the world is moving faster and becoming smaller creating more issues for us old farts to rant about. Have a good day. bobscroll 1 Quote
tvman44 Posted January 17, 2014 Report Posted January 17, 2014 We have a hardware store like that near here, I always say "If Guidry's does not have it, forget it. No one in town has it." Quote
wombatie Posted January 18, 2014 Report Posted January 18, 2014 A couple of years ago a very large hardware company opened up here in Hastings and now after 26 years the hardware shop that we always relied on is closing its doors at the end of the month. It is a case of R.I.P. to the small business man isn't it? Marg Quote
Kepy Posted January 18, 2014 Report Posted January 18, 2014 I am fortunate I guess as there is an old hardware store here where the owner and his wife retired but they sold out to a young couple. Don't know how the service will be. The retiree was great. One day, I was needing some naval jelly and couldn't find anyone who even knew what it was. Went to the old store and he said he didn't have any but wait a minute, he took off and got some from his house which he then sold me. Quote
RangerJay Posted January 18, 2014 Report Posted January 18, 2014 Like others - we have a small hardware store in our little town that has struggled to compete with the big guys in the city a couple of hours drive away. It used to try and keep up - but seems to have found its own niche now by keeping just a basic inventory for everyday type needs - but has a quick turn-around on orders - if an order is placed by Tuesday it is in the store and ready to pick up on Saturday. Not bad service in my view - takes a little pre-planning on the customers part - but keeps the store open and a 1/2 dozen people working. Jay bobscroll 1 Quote
bobscroll Posted January 18, 2014 Report Posted January 18, 2014 I agree with all of you! It's happening over here as well, It is very sad indeed, I used to go to Halfords store to get anything I wanted for a car, There were boxes full of parts you wanted, But they changed it all to one item in a vacuum pack! So you couldn't pick up as many part's you wanted cheap! And the guy's know nothing about anything!!! WE need the hardware Stores! and the people that have knowledge!!! Bob. Rob Roy 1 Quote
amazingkevin Posted January 19, 2014 Report Posted January 19, 2014 Bob Dylan was right" the times they are a changein" Quote
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