Fields Hardware: A Shopper’s Guide

Why You Should Visit

• Exceptional Customer Service: Prepare for a genuinely friendly and helpful atmosphere. Staff consistently go above and beyond, offering assistance without being intrusive. I’ve witnessed employees helping customers with various issues, from finding specific items to troubleshooting problems with equipment and even offering water to a customer’s dog. Many staff members are knowledgeable and can quickly locate needed items, even if the store’s computer system initially indicates an item is out of stock.
• Extensive Selection and Inventory: This is no ordinary hardware store. You’ll find a huge variety of products, including a wide selection of lumber, pavers, cinder blocks, chainsaws, and chimney system parts – far exceeding what’s typically found at smaller stores. Their saw shop, in particular, boasts a superior selection compared to most competitors. They even offer deals on discounted lumber.
• Competitive Pricing: Prices are consistently described as “excellent” and “great,” often undercutting big-box store competitors, especially on lumber.
• Specialized Departments and Expertise: The Stihl department has knowledgeable technicians on hand to assist with chainsaw repairs and replacement parts. The lumber yard staff is also highly praised for their helpfulness in selecting suitable materials. The stove department has staff familiar with regular customers.
• Repair Services: There’s on-site repair capability. One reviewer had a blower repaired with one-day turnaround time at no charge.
• Personalized Experience: The store fosters a welcoming, familiar environment, reminiscent of the TV show “Cheers”—a place where many staff members know regular customers by name.

Why You Might Consider Alternatives

• Potential for Negative Interactions with Management: Be aware that some shoppers have reported extremely negative experiences with the general manager, Charles. These experiences include refusal to transfer calls, hanging up on customers, and issuing ultimatums to leave the store. These incidents involved disputes regarding payment arrangements and using the restroom.
• Lumber Selection Limitations: While they carry a large selection of lumber, there have been recent reports that you might not always be able to choose the specific pieces you want. The store may instead provide whatever they have available, regardless of imperfections. If selecting perfect lumber is important, you may want to explore other options like Home Depot.