Marro’s Home Center Shopping Guide
Why You Should Visit
- Exceptional Customer Service: Expect a warm welcome, friendly and helpful staff who go above and beyond. I’ve personally witnessed staff carrying heavy items (like bags of insulation) to customers’ cars and even assisting with complex tasks like flaring copper pipes for a DIY project. The owners and staff are incredibly knowledgeable and will guide you to the right products, preventing project delays.
- Extensive Inventory: You’ll find a surprisingly wide selection of goods, far exceeding typical hardware store offerings. They stock everything from basic hardware to gift items and even offer niche items you might otherwise have to special order. They carry lumber of superior quality compared to large home improvement stores at competitive prices (I paid $18+ for a high-quality 1x12x6 board, a better value than a Home Depot “select” board at $47+). They also have a wide selection of common boards at fair prices.
- Convenient Location & Parking: The store boasts easy parking and a convenient location on the road to Charlestown, avoiding Claremont’s traffic congestion.
- Community Focus & Special Services: This is a family-owned business that actively supports the Claremont and Charlestown communities. They offer unique services like pellet storage; you can buy in bulk and pick up a few bags at a time as needed.
- Reasonable Prices: While direct price comparisons weren’t always stated, the overall consensus is that prices are quite reasonable, especially considering the quality and service provided.
- Special Days: Keep an eye out for Tuesday cupcake day!
Why You Might Consider Alternatives
- Limited Immediate Stock: While they’ll get items you need if not in stock, there’s a possibility that you won’t find *everything* immediately. Be prepared to allow some lead time (e.g., items might be there by Friday).
- “Old-School” Layout: The store has a described as having an “old-school feel,” which may mean a more labyrinthine layout compared to the organized aisles of large retailers.
