Johnston Ace Hardware: A Shopper’s Guide
Why You Should Visit
- Exceptional Customer Service: You’ll find staff consistently go above and beyond. They’re incredibly helpful in selecting the right products, offering setup and maintenance advice (e.g., snowblowers, lawnmowers), and even assisting with repairs (e.g., fixing a nail gun in 15 minutes). Several reviews highlight the staff’s expertise and willingness to help even with complex issues or unusual requests (e.g., aquarium lighting, cornhole game coatings).
- Product Selection and Availability: The store carries a wide range of products, including Toro snowblowers, lawnmowers, sump pumps, and various painting supplies. They often have items in stock; I was able to pick up a sump pump within an hour. The store’s size is noted as being manageable, allowing for easy navigation and finding essentials. A paint studio allows for custom color mixing.
- Personalized Experience: The staff’s attentiveness is remarkable. They proactively offer assistance and take the time to understand your needs. One reviewer described the staff as “lifesavers,” highlighting the helpfulness in choosing the appropriate product for their fish tank.
- Competitive Pricing and Deals: While one reviewer mentioned high prices, others described the prices as fair. Negotiating a good deal on a Weber grill is mentioned as a positive experience.
- Convenient Location and Local Business Support: The Johnston location’s convenience is apparent from a reviewer who drives from Des Moines for their hardware needs, emphasizing the store’s value.
Why You Might Consider Alternatives
- Inconsistent Staff Interactions: While most experiences are positive, one review described feeling like a shoplifter, being followed around the store. Another mentioned a cashier’s inappropriate and unprofessional behavior toward a female customer.
- Return Policy Issues: Be aware that the store may retain the delivery fee as a restocking fee even if the item hasn’t left the premises.
- Price Concerns: While some found the prices fair, one reviewer felt the prices were unnecessarily high.
