Onanole Home Hardware: A Shopper’s Perspective

Why You Should Visit

• One-Stop Shop Convenience: You’ll find an unexpectedly wide variety of goods, ranging from groceries (though lactose-free milk may not always be available) and camping supplies (fishing chairs, lures, bug spray, playing cards, pocket knives) to hardware, tools, utensils, and even a liquor store. It’s essentially a mini-mart and home hardware store combined.
• Excellent Selection for the Area: The store offers a surprisingly comprehensive stock of items, especially considering its location. You can find BBQ parts, miscellaneous supplies, and even things like olive serving plates. I’ve successfully purchased beers there as well.
• Friendly and Helpful Staff (Mostly): Most shoppers report overwhelmingly positive interactions with friendly, helpful staff eager to assist in locating items. Employees frequently check on shoppers to ensure a pleasant experience. One helpful staff member even guided me through choosing a portable grill.
• Convenient Location: It’s situated near a national park, making it a convenient stop for supplies before or after outdoor activities. This is particularly helpful given its wide variety of camping necessities.
• Local Support: By shopping here, you support a local family-owned business with plans for further expansion including a year-round grocery store in Wasagaming.

Why You Might Consider Alternatives

• Inconsistent Staff Behavior: While generally friendly, some shoppers have reported negative interactions. One review detailed a potentially intimidating experience with a male staff member who made prolonged, intense eye contact. Another review describes a negative encounter with what appeared to be a manager who was verbally aggressive and dismissive toward a medically exempt customer, leading to an extremely unpleasant experience and ultimately, an uncomfortable feeling.
• Overpriced Items: Be aware that some items, particularly RV toilet paper, are reportedly overpriced compared to other locations. It’s advisable to stock up on such items elsewhere if possible.
• Limited Grocery Selection: While they offer some groceries, the selection is not complete. Lactose-free milk, for example, is not always stocked.
• Store Layout: One review mentions the store feeling “claustrophobic,” likely due to its size and the number of staff working in the space.