Kent Contractor Supply Shopping Guide

Kent Contractor Supply: A Shopper’s Guide

Why You Should Visit

Competitive Pricing: I found the paint prices to be very competitive, a definite plus for larger projects.
Knowledgeable Staff: Multiple reviewers praised the staff’s expertise. Specifically, Kyle in the paint department and others in the project desk and chop shop received high marks for their helpfulness and product knowledge. Even cashiers, like Brittany, were noted for their friendly and efficient service. This extends to advice on things like avoiding material waste.
Convenient Location & Selection: The Kelsey Drive location offers a good selection of building supplies, even surpassing other Kent locations in some areas (windows, for example). It’s conveniently located near Home Depot and Canadian Tire, allowing for price comparisons.
Indoor Lumber Storage: Unlike some other Kent locations, the lumber is stored indoors, protecting it from the weather and making loading easier for customers.
Drive-Thru Lumberyard: The ability to drive through the lumberyard and select materials yourself is a definite convenience.
Chop Shop: The in-house chop shop offers specialized cuts and angles, making it easier to prepare materials for your project.
Bulk Purchases: This location caters well to larger projects and contractors with its selection of construction supplies in bulk packages.
Generally Efficient Checkout: Checkout is typically quick and efficient, with friendly staff.

Unhelpful Staff Experiences: Some shoppers reported feeling unwelcome, ignored, or that staff assumed they lacked knowledge (especially if not a contractor). Staff were not always readily available to assist with locating items, leading to extended search times.
Limited Product Range (Compared to other Kent locations): While the selection is good for renovation and construction, it lacks the broader home goods selection found in other Kent stores. One shopper specifically noted limited options for door handles beyond a single brand.
Unclear Outdoor Signage: The lack of clear signage in the outdoor gravel area caused confusion regarding access and payment procedures.
Misleading “Featured Flyer” Icon: The use of a “featured flyer” icon on regularly priced items is misleading and frustrating to customers.
Inconsistent Staff Helpfulness: While many reviewers lauded staff expertise, others reported receiving inadequate advice that necessitated additional trips and purchases at other stores.