Burien Ace Hardware: A Shopper’s Perspective
Why You Should Visit
- Unparalleled Selection of Nuts, Bolts, and Misc. Hardware: This location boasts a remarkably extensive selection, surpassing even major competitors like Lowe’s and Home Depot in variety, particularly concerning nuts and bolts. I’ve personally found extremely specific, hard-to-source hardware items here that other stores didn’t carry. One employee even mentioned their store’s top ranking in Washington state for this category.
- Extensive Product Range: Beyond hardware, you’ll find a large selection of cleaning supplies, including lesser-known brands. The store is described as “much larger” than other Ace locations and a “regional store,” suggesting a wider inventory than typical neighborhood hardware stores.
- Helpful Staff (Generally): While some negative experiences are noted (see below), many reviews praise the helpfulness and knowledge of the staff. Multiple instances of helpful staff assisting with product location and providing repair advice are mentioned. One review specifically highlights Kim as a particularly kind and knowledgeable employee.
- Convenience for Hard-to-Find Items: This Ace Hardware often carries items unavailable at larger home improvement stores. It’s a good place to locate those unique items that the big box stores miss.
- Store Pickup Option (with caveats): While their online ordering system isn’t always reliable, the store will sometimes hold items for pickup upon request, as I experienced.
- Ace Rewards Program: The Ace Rewards program offers various deals, including birthday coupons and $5 off a $25 purchase. Some locations offer veteran discounts, so check for details.
- In-Store Battery Replacement: They provide battery replacement services, which is helpful for oddly designed remotes, as I discovered firsthand.
Why You Might Consider Alternatives
- Inconsistent Customer Service: Be aware that customer service experiences can vary wildly. Several reviews describe exceptionally poor interactions with specific staff members, including aggressive responses to price discrepancies, unhelpful interactions with managers regarding product information and coupon redemption, and instances where staff members were unwilling to check stock in the back.
- Pricing: This is a local hardware store, so expect prices to be generally higher than big-box stores. While sales and coupons can help offset this, be prepared for potentially higher costs.
- Inventory Issues: The store may not always have items advertised in mailers or online. I experienced this firsthand with a Milwaukee battery promotion that wasn’t stocked, and another shopper encountered issues with a hedge trimmer order.
- Coupon Redemption Problems: There are reported issues regarding coupon redemption, including a case where a coupon was allegedly used without authorization by a staff member.
- Lack of Air Conditioning: Shopping during hot weather may be uncomfortable due to the absence of air conditioning (though lemonade was available in one instance).
