Ace Hardware in Alpine: A Shopper’s Guide
Why You Should Visit
- Exceptional Customer Service: You’ll find employees who go above and beyond to help solve problems. One shopper described how staff spent half an hour helping them find a workaround for a propane leak, even though they didn’t have the exact part. Another shopper received extensive guidance on chainsaw operation and maintenance from an in-store expert named Keith. Gary, another employee, provided exceptional assistance with staple exchange.
- Extensive Product Selection: The store boasts a large selection of hardware and tools, surpassing what you might expect in a small town. You’ll find items not readily available in larger cities like Idaho Falls. They also carry hunting supplies and have a wide array of things “packed in there,” making it a one-stop shop for various projects. They even sell Stihl chainsaws.
- Knowledgeable Staff: Many reviewers praised the staff’s knowledge and willingness to assist. Several shoppers specifically mentioned Marty, Tina, and Keith for their expertise and helpfulness in various projects, including fixing a sink sprayer.
- Convenient Location and Amenities: The store is spacious, clean, and well-organized with wide aisles. There’s also a gas station conveniently located at the same site. Plus, small engine repairs are available.
- Easy Returns (Mostly): While one customer had difficulty returning an item purchased at a different Ace location, another had a positive experience returning unused items and receiving a refund without issue.
- Paint Matching Services: The staff will mix custom paint colors; one shopper had a perfect match created from sample cans.
Why You Might Consider Alternatives
- Inconsistent Customer Service: Be aware that some shoppers have reported negative experiences with specific employees. One review highlighted a particularly unhelpful and rude employee named Jeff, who was described as providing terrible customer service, including repeatedly hanging up on a customer.
- Potential for Long Waits: One review mentioned being put on hold for 15 minutes.
- Staff Unavailability: On at least one occasion, employees were socializing and ignored a customer’s request for assistance.
- Limited Return Policy (between locations): Returns are not guaranteed across independently-owned Ace Hardware locations. A return of uncut wood was rejected.
- Employee Attitude: There were reports of unfriendly or even miserable employees. One customer reported being called a derogatory name by a staff member after expressing dissatisfaction.
