Mills Hardware: A Shopper’s Guide
Why You Should Visit
- Exceptional Customer Service: You’ll encounter a genuinely helpful and knowledgeable owner, Brad, who goes above and beyond to assist with projects, from minor repairs to special orders. He’s described as intuitive, understanding customer needs, and providing old-school, personalized service.
- Extensive Milwaukee Tool Selection: The store boasts a superior selection of Milwaukee tools compared to other small-town hardware stores within a 25-mile radius. Brad will even custom order tools from the Milwaukee catalog at Home Depot prices.
- Comprehensive Inventory: You’ll find a huge assortment of items, well-stocked even during periods of high demand (like COVID-19). The store caters to both small business/hobby needs and larger home renovation projects, carrying items like chicks and seed potatoes. They even stock a wide variety of Vermont Castings and Federal Airtight stove parts.
- Competitive Pricing: Prices are generally comparable to larger chains, offering value without sacrificing the personalized service of a local business.
- Convenient Location & Hours: The store is conveniently located with easy parking directly in front. It’s open every day, a significant plus for busy schedules.
- Unique Vermont Focus: The store caters specifically to the needs of Vermont residents, stocking items relevant to local lifestyles and projects.
Why You Might Consider Alternatives
- Inconsistent Customer Interactions: Be aware that some shoppers have reported negative experiences with the owner, describing interactions as rude, condescending, or unhelpful, seemingly based on appearance. These experiences were not universally reported.
- Limited Pellet Stove Selection: While listed as a pellet stove dealer on Efficiency Vermont’s website, the store does not, in fact, sell pellet stoves. Confirming services beforehand is advisable.