Theisen’s: A Shopper’s Perspective
Why You Should Visit
- Vast Merchandise Selection: You’ll find an extensive range of products covering home, garden, auto, and animal/livestock supplies. They even have a huge Yeti selection with accessories. The store’s size is impressive, offering a one-stop shop for many needs, exceeding expectations for a smaller town.
- Competitive Pricing: Prices are reasonable, often beating larger national chain stores. I saved $18 on a plumbing valve compared to metro area stores. The savings on gas and time make it worthwhile.
- Generally Friendly and Helpful Staff: Many shoppers report positive experiences with friendly and helpful staff. One cashier is especially praised for her bubbly and helpful attitude. The staff’s willingness to assist is a recurring positive comment.
- Convenient Location (for locals): For residents of the area, Theisen’s is a lifesaver, eliminating the need for long drives to larger cities for everyday supplies. The relocation to the old Big Bear location is viewed favorably.
- Added Perks: Free popcorn is a nice bonus!
Why You Might Consider Alternatives
- Inconsistent Staff Knowledge & Availability: While many praise the helpful staff, be aware that there can be significant wait times (20-30 minutes) to get assistance. Some staff members may lack product knowledge, even for basic items like nails and nail guns. One shopper had difficulty finding help and the staff seemed preoccupied in the warehouse.
- Stock Issues: Show pig and lamb feed are frequently out of stock, and staff may not know when resupply is expected. This inconsistency could be a problem if you’re relying on specific items.
- Limited Hours & Outdoor Storage: The store closes at 5 pm. Some items, such as sawdust bedding, are stored outside, which could be problematic depending on weather conditions. Loading assistance is not always guaranteed, even for customers with health concerns.
- Product Gaps: Surprisingly, they don’t stock nails.
- Unwanted Sales Pitches: One shopper reported that a staff member spent excessive time showing unnecessary products rather than directly helping with their request.