County Stores Shopping Guide: An Informed Visitor’s Perspective
Why You Should Visit
- Unparalleled Selection: You’ll find an incredibly diverse range of products far beyond typical hardware stores. Expect everything from nuts and bolts to grills (a dedicated “Grill Emporium” is mentioned!), lawn games, kitchen appliances, beach chairs, and even clothing. One shopper described it as having “everything you need to fix anything around the house.” The selection in tools and paint is also specifically praised as the “best” in a 100-mile radius.
- Exceptional Staff Expertise: The staff’s knowledge is consistently highlighted. They’ll go above and beyond to assist you, even escorting you across the store to locate specific items. This extends to various departments, from lawn and garden (staff described as knowing “what they are talking about”) to the electrical parts section (described as having “a pretty solid selection”). Their helpfulness extends to services like chain cutting and even helping with obtaining a hunting license.
- Convenient Services: In addition to retail, County Stores offers significant added value through services like small engine repair, blade sharpening, and even screen repair (though pricing for this should be confirmed beforehand). The Engine House, Toyland, and propane refills are also mentioned, showing a very complete variety of services offered.
- Local Support and In-Stock Items: Supporting a local business with long-term employees is a strong draw for many. The convenience of having items readily available, as described in the context of “if they don’t have it, you don’t need it,” is also a significant advantage.
- Excellent Outdoor Power Equipment Sales and Service: One review specifically raved about the purchase and delivery experience of an Exmark lawn tractor. The post-sale product review at the house was also mentioned as excellent. This suggests that the sales process for large-ticket yard maintenance equipment is top-notch.
Why You Might Consider Alternatives
- Pricing: While generally considered fair, some items may be slightly more expensive than at larger retailers. One shopper found the price of custom-made screens ($152 for two screens) to be shockingly high. Therefore, comparing prices before purchasing, especially for larger orders, might save money.
- Time Commitment: The vast selection means that even with a focused shopping list, browsing can easily consume an hour or more, which could cause an issue for those short on time.
- Sunday Hours: Be aware that County Stores closes earlier on Sundays (4pm), so plan your visit accordingly.
