McLendon Hardware: A Shopper’s Guide
Why You Should Visit
- Exceptional Customer Service (in certain departments): I had a truly outstanding experience with Chris W. in Special Orders. He went above and beyond, meticulously measuring window screens and ensuring a seamless process. This level of personalized attention is rare.
- Unique Product Selection: You’ll find items not stocked at big-box stores. For example, I successfully purchased a hard-to-find hose bib valve stem here. Their selection of “bits and bobs” is impressive.
- Convenient for Small Purchases: It’s significantly faster than larger stores. Getting in and out with a few items takes only about 5 minutes.
- Extensive Holiday Inventory: The store is well-stocked with seasonal items like Christmas lights and villages, at least around the holidays.
- Knowledgeable Staff: Employees are generally helpful and can assist with projects such as re-keying doorknobs (Patrick provided excellent service in this area) and can help with coordinating larger purchases and deliveries (BBQ delivery and setup went smoothly).
- Great Garden Center (Seasonal): The garden center is a highlight during spring and summer.
- Supporting Local Business: You’re contributing to the local economy by shopping here.
Why You Might Consider Alternatives
- Limited Availability of Certain Items: Stock can be inconsistent. I experienced empty shelves for Stihl bar oil and chainsaw parts on multiple occasions.
- Long Checkout Lines: Be prepared for potential delays. I encountered a situation with only one cashier open and a significant wait time.
- Rude Staff Interactions: While many experiences are positive, I had a negative encounter with a cashier who was unnecessarily rude. This was not a common occurrence, according to other reviews.
- High Prices: McLendon’s is generally more expensive than big-box stores. For larger purchases, it might be cheaper elsewhere. Smaller purchases, the extra cost isn’t always significant.
- Unfavorable Stihl Tool Return Policy: The 7-day return policy on Stihl tools is significantly shorter than competitors (Home Depot’s 60-day policy is cited as an example), and the warranty process is complicated, requiring a $40 diagnostic fee with a 5-week turnaround. They refused an exchange or refund for a malfunctioning chainsaw after only 5 weeks.
- Inconsistent Customer Service: While some experiences are positive, others have been negative regarding the handling of customer property (a window screen was discarded without permission). Though an apology and replacement were offered, compensation for the lost screen wasn’t addressed.
- Potential for Sizing Issues with Special Orders: A custom-made window screen didn’t fit correctly, highlighting the need for thorough checks on custom orders.
