Kent’s: An Informed Shopper’s Guide
Why You Should Visit
- Extensive Product Selection: You’ll find a wide variety of goods, including lumber, furniture, appliances, plants, and building materials. They even offer kitchen cabinets. The selection is comparable to Home Depot, offering “lots of everything you need.”
- Helpful and Knowledgeable Staff: Many reviewers praised the staff’s friendliness and helpfulness. Specific shout-outs went to Steve in lumber, Howie Dawe and Jackie in install sales, Gerry in kitchen cabinets, Elaine and Gary in general assistance, and Phillips and Sandra in customer care. These individuals were described as going the “extra mile” and offering “superior service.”
- Competitive Prices: I found the prices to be “competitive” compared to other stores.
- Convenient Location: At least one reviewer mentioned the store’s proximity to their home as a positive factor.
- Clean and Organized Store: The store is described as clean and well-organized, with clearly marked aisles, making it easy to navigate.
Why You Might Consider Alternatives
- Delivery Issues: Be aware that there are reports of unexpected and significant increases in delivery costs for furniture. One customer experienced a $350 increase after the initial quote. Consider confirming the final delivery cost before completing your purchase.
- Return Policy Inconsistencies: I experienced difficulties returning a Pearl Springs water jug. While the cashier initially confirmed a deposit refund, other employees were unable to process the return. The return process for this specific item might be unreliable, so factor that into your purchasing decision. The cost of this item was $14.69.
- Understaffing and Service Delays: The store may be understaffed, particularly for specialized tasks. This can lead to delays in service, as evidenced by a wait of almost seven weeks for a shower stall installation with multiple missing or incorrectly installed parts. Furthermore, there was no response from customer service management in over two weeks concerning this matter.
- Inconsistent Store Hours: The store’s website may not accurately reflect its operating hours. Check before your visit.
- Issues with Card Payments: Avoid using VISA tap; there are reports of cards being cancelled after use at this location.
- Limited Staff Availability for Assistance: While many staff members are present, some reviewers noted difficulty in finding someone who could provide assistance.