Barrows Hardware: A Shopper’s Guide
Why You Should Visit
- Exceptional Customer Service: You’ll find a genuinely friendly and helpful staff who actively assist shoppers. They’re knowledgeable, readily answer questions, and go above and beyond, even accommodating late arrivals. One staff member, possibly an owner, is renowned for finding solutions to even vaguely described needs.
- Well-Organized and Well-Stocked: The store boasts impressive organization, making it easy to locate items. The inventory is excellent and extensive, including a wide range of home, recreational, and small business hardware, tools, equipment, and painting supplies. They even carry specialty fasteners and less common items like mace and a selection of fans, flashlights, and knives.
- Competitive Pricing: While some items, like mulch, might be slightly more expensive than big box stores (8 bags of mulch cost $39 compared to $20 at Home Depot), pricing on many other items is comparable to other reputable hardware stores and often surprisingly good on select products. Propane refills are also noted as being competitively priced.
- Convenient Location & Recent Improvements: The store has recently undergone renovations, including an expansion and increased parking. It’s located in Worcester and has been voted “Best Hardware Store in Worcester” for 15 consecutive years.
- A Local Gem: This family-run business, now in its third generation, offers a welcoming, low-pressure shopping environment. Supporting them feels good, and the personal touch makes the experience far more enjoyable than a big box store.
Why You Might Consider Alternatives
- Limited Floor Space (Initially): While the store has expanded, reviews suggest it might have previously had limited floor space compared to larger chain stores.
- Potentially Higher Prices on Some Items: Be aware that prices on some items may be higher than at big-box competitors, like Home Depot. This needs to be weighed against the superior customer service and convenience.
