Ace Hardware Shopping Guide: An Informed Visitor’s Perspective

Why You Should Visit

• Extensive Inventory: You’ll find a surprisingly large selection of goods, far exceeding expectations for a small-town hardware store. The store carries a wide range of items including guns, ammo, fishing tackle, paint, plumbing supplies, electrical components, housewares, door and window accessories (like cabinet knobs), garden supplies, and lawn mowers. They even stock smaller, niche items.
• Exceptional Customer Service: Shoppers can expect consistently helpful and friendly staff. Employees possess extensive product knowledge, readily assisting with locating specific items. Many reviewers specifically praise the staff’s attentiveness and helpfulness, making you feel like their only customer. One reviewer singled out Dan for outstanding service.
• Convenience and Speed: For those in remote areas, the store offers significant convenience. It saves considerable travel time compared to driving to larger cities. The store’s efficient ordering system ensures quick delivery of special orders.
• Added Perks: The location offers free popcorn, a treat particularly appreciated by families.

Why You Might Consider Alternatives

• Pricing: Be aware that prices are noticeably higher than online retailers or big-box stores like Walmart. Specific examples include a $6 price tag for a 1×3 piece of wood and higher-priced tarps compared to Walmart. One customer even returned a tarp purchase after finding a superior one at a lower price elsewhere.
• Sales Tax: Montana residents should note that sales tax was not waived on ammunition and fishing equipment purchases exceeding $100.