Arlington Hardware & Lumber: A Shopper’s Guide

Why You Should Visit

• Extensive Product Selection: You’ll find a truly remarkable variety of goods. This isn’t your average hardware store; they carry everything from customized and boutique-style clothing, home decor, garden supplies, fishing gear, hunting supplies, a wide range of knives, and even a dedicated men’s department upstairs. I even spotted Quay sunglasses during my last visit!
• Unique Finds: The location offers some surprising items, including a selection of premium sodas (Dad’s Root Beer, Cream Soda, and Red Arrow were available during my visit), a neat wooden watch/clock in the hardware section, and beautiful gift items and home accessories. I picked up a unique petite dipping spoon myself.
• Competitive Pricing: I was able to buy jeans at a fraction of the price found at nearby outlet malls (though the brands were different, the styles were comparable). The clothing selection includes hoodies with customizable graphics.
• Exceptional Customer Service: The staff are generally welcoming, helpful, and friendly. The staff at the gun counter and those assisting with the reflective stickers were particularly helpful. The overall atmosphere promotes browsing without pressure.
• Convenient Location: Nestled in beautiful downtown Arlington, it’s a convenient one-stop shop for many needs. The store’s private label caps are a fun way to represent your visit, too.
• Upstairs Delights: Don’t miss the second floor! It houses a fantastic men’s department. After shopping, the Centennial Bar & Grill (nearby) offers delicious smoked BBQ wings and prime rib.
• Private Label Clothing Line: Arlington Hardware offers its own unique clothing line. This is a remarkable detail I’ve not seen anywhere else.

Why You Might Consider Alternatives

• Return Policy Issues: Be aware that the return policy can be problematic. I experienced firsthand a frustrating situation where a return was denied even with original tags and within the 14-day window. They may be less accommodating to returns than other stores.
• Customer Service Inconsistencies: While generally positive, there have been reports of appalling customer service, including profiling, harassment, and physical intimidation. In one case, the police were even involved. This seems to be more of a localized issue rather than the norm, but it’s a serious issue to be aware of.
• Limited Product Knowledge: I called to inquire about the colors of a specific item and received uncertain answers. The staff member did not check availability before giving inaccurate answers. This suggests potential inconsistencies in staff product knowledge across departments.