Ace Hardware/Ben Franklin Sheridan: A Shopper’s Guide
Why You Should Visit
- Convenient Location & Quick Shopping: This is a great place for grabbing items quickly. I found the plastic storage box I needed immediately.
- Exceptional Staff: The employees are consistently praised for their friendliness and helpfulness. They go above and beyond; I received assistance with a Subaru adjustment, and staff members actively helped locate items, even walking me to the desired section (pots) and pointing out discounted items (storage boxes).
- Unique Product Selection: You’ll find a surprisingly diverse range of products under one roof. They carry a wide selection of hardware, including hand and power tools (Craftsman brand included), yard tools, and a noteworthy selection of jigsaw puzzles. The Ace brand offers alternatives to many tools.
- Craft & Home Goods Haven: This location is a treasure trove for crafters. There’s a substantial craft section with items difficult to find elsewhere; expect to find quilt fabrics, notions, and other craft supplies. They also carry pellets for pellet stoves year-round at a stable price.
- Seasonal Deals: Check for seasonal sales; I saw excellent deals on plants in the greenhouse (during a specific time of year), Father’s Day sales (birdseed, patio furniture), and $10 grab bags.
- Small-Town Charm (with caveats): The store retains a local merchant feel, although that may be changing (see below).
- Added Perks: Free popcorn is a nice touch. They also offer fabric by the yard and individual ball bearings. One visit found them readily able to provide a screwdriver for use with a purchase.
Why You Might Consider Alternatives
- Pricing: Be aware that prices are generally higher than at larger competitors. I found I could get the same items cheaper online after attempting to use their coupon program.
- Return Policy: They require a paper receipt for returns, which is inconvenient in this age of digital transactions. This is a significant change from previous policy.
- Coupon Program: The “Ace Rewards” program is considered overly complicated and difficult to use effectively; I experienced several disqualifications trying to redeem coupons.
- Security Measures: Be prepared for potentially strict security measures. I experienced a situation where a teller insisted on holding my bag with personal belongings including my wallet and a weapon, an experience that left me feeling uncomfortable.
- Product Knowledge: While staff are generally helpful, product knowledge can be inconsistent in certain departments. In one instance, assistance in the plumbing area was unhelpful despite providing pictures and measurements of the needed item.
