Northside Hardware Shopping Guide

Northside Hardware: An Informed Shopper’s Guide

Why You Should Visit

Unique Selection: You’ll find items not readily available at larger stores. This is a go-to place when other options have failed.
Seasonal and Specialty Items: Expect a good selection of seasonal items, including a surprisingly nice selection of outdoor ferns at reasonable prices.
Neighborhood Staple: This store’s been a community fixture for many years, offering a local shopping experience.
Knowledgeable Staff (Sometimes): Some employees possess extensive product knowledge and provide helpful assistance with home projects.
Improved Layout: The store has recently expanded, creating a more comfortable shopping environment with better walking space.
Pet Screen Options: They offer pet screens, as evidenced by a satisfied customer who had their front door screen replaced with a black pet screen at a reasonable price.

Inconsistent Customer Service: Be aware that the customer service experience can be highly variable. Some employees are incredibly helpful and patient, going above and beyond to assist customers. However, other staff members have been described as clueless, rude, condescending, and even argumentative. One incident involved a manager who was so unwilling to admit a mistake that he escalated the situation to a near-physical altercation.
Pricing: The store may be overpriced compared to big-box competitors like Home Depot and Lowe’s, leading at least one shopper to be told to shop elsewhere if they didn’t like the prices.
Return Policy Issues: The return policy concerning paint cans seems unclear and inconsistently applied. One shopper was given conflicting information by different cashiers and managers, leading to frustration.
Lack of Staff Availability: On at least one occasion, multiple employees were observed standing around idly instead of assisting customers.
Window Screen Repair Concerns: One customer had a negative experience with window screen repair; the screen was damaged, and the owner was unwilling to take responsibility.
Potential for Unhelpful Staff: Some shoppers have reported difficulty getting help from employees, who may appear uninterested in assisting customers.
Closing Time Issues: Arriving close to closing time can result in a rushed and potentially unpleasant experience due to staff eagerness to leave.