South Salem Ace Hardware: A Shopper’s Guide
Why You Should Visit
- Exceptional Customer Service: You’ll be consistently greeted with a smile and offered immediate assistance. Staff are incredibly friendly, knowledgeable, and patient, going above and beyond to help you find exactly what you need. One shopper even described their experience as having a “personal shopper.” Expect help within 5 minutes or less, even with complex issues like adapting a screw to a unique item.
- Extensive Product Selection: The store boasts a well-stocked hardware department carrying items like battery-powered blowers, Milwaukee M12 Fuel 3/8 Stubby impact ratchets, Christmas light cords, and switch protectors. They also have a thriving garden department with healthy plants and a unique gift shop featuring items like build-it-yourself advent calendars.
- Competitive Pricing: Many prices are lower than competitors like Home Depot and Lowe’s. I found this to be true for several items, including a lawnmower and even a brass screw.
- Above and Beyond Service: The team provides free delivery and set-up of purchased units, including gas line hookups and old unit removal. They even assisted a shopper who had experienced a fraudulent transaction.
- Specialized Expertise: Staff is well-versed in various areas, providing expert advice on projects and assisting in finding even hard-to-source items. One staff member spent 30 minutes modifying a part to fit a customer’s unique need for a mere 35 cents.
Why You Might Consider Alternatives
- Limited Stock on Popular Items: While generally well-stocked, some high-demand items may be difficult to find, even with advance notice. A shopper had to call ahead for a specific power tool.
- Smaller Scale Than Big Box Stores: If you need a massive selection of a particular item, the range might be more limited compared to large chains.
