Great Bend Sutherland’s: A Shopper’s Guide
Why You Should Visit
- Convenient Location & Wide Selection: This is a great local option, especially if you need something quickly and don’t want to travel to a larger city. You’ll find a large variety of hardware products, including lumber (though double-check sizing!), electrical tape, and even unique items like old-fashioned candies, fruit, and nuts. The store is also described as “large” with a “good selection.”
- Efficient Checkout: I’ve noticed that checkout is a priority for management, making it a quick and easy process.
- Helpful Staff (Sometimes!): While some reviews mention unhelpful staff, others highlight extremely positive experiences. One shopper received exceptional assistance with a lumber exchange, with staff helping unload, find the correct size, and process the return quickly. Another received help selecting all the supplies needed for a project, with the associate “shopping” with them from start to finish. Several reviews praise the friendly and knowledgeable staff.
- Quick Service Options: You can call ahead and have items like leaf blowers waiting for you at the front desk for a speedy pickup. This is a significant plus for those with mobility limitations.
Why You Might Consider Alternatives
- Pricing: Be aware that prices on many items may be significantly higher (up to double) than at larger stores like Lowe’s or Home Depot. This is especially true if you’re completing a larger project.
- Inconsistent Staff Assistance: While some employees are exceptionally helpful, there are reports of unhelpful, rude, or even inattentive staff members. In one instance, five employees apparently ignored a customer needing assistance for fifteen minutes.
- Basic Math Skills Concern: One review expressed concern about the staff’s ability to answer basic mathematical questions. This is a rare occurrence, but worth noting.
- Limited Inventory: In one instance, a specific item (termination vent) was not in stock. There was also a mismatch between advertised and in-stock quantities of cat treatments.
- Community Involvement: While the staff are lauded, the store’s policy on community donations may affect your choice to support them over other local businesses that support local causes. The store apparently does not make individual donations.
