College and Spadina Home Hardware: A Shopper’s Guide
Why You Should Visit
- Extensive Electronics Selection: This location boasts a surprisingly large selection of electronic components, including resistors, fuses, batteries, and parts for RC vehicles. One shopper described it as having “just about everything but the kitchen sink,” even noting a vast array of storage compartments filled with components. You’ll find it in the basement near the paint section.
- Specialty Services: They offer key cutting, as well as chain, steel pole, and bar cutting services to custom lengths.
- Hidden Inventory: Be sure to check behind the sliding racks in the tools and screws section—there’s additional inventory hidden there.
- Unique Finds: This store carries items harder to find in larger chains, described as things “built more than 20 years ago”. It’s a good option if you’re looking for specialty or hard-to-find items.
- Basement Department: The basement offers a good selection of painting and plumbing supplies.
- Central Location: The store’s central location is convenient for many shoppers.
- Some Helpful Staff: While experiences varied greatly, some shoppers reported positive interactions with friendly and helpful staff.
Why You Might Consider Alternatives
- Inconsistent Customer Service: Several reviews detail negative experiences with staff members, ranging from unhelpful and rude interactions to outright hostility and discriminatory behavior. Be aware that you might encounter staff who are unwilling to assist or are impatient with customers.
- Product Quality Concerns: At least one shopper reported purchasing a broken item and others experienced issues with faulty lock boxes. Check items carefully before leaving the store.
- Pricing Discrepancies: One shopper was overcharged significantly for cardboard boxes and had difficulty receiving a refund. Be vigilant about pricing and request a receipt.
- Limited Hours/Availability: The store has been reported as closing its gates before the listed closing time and refusing entry to customers needing urgent assistance.
- Return Policy Issues: Returning defective items may be difficult, with reports of staff refusing refunds for incorrect sizes or problematic products, even with clear defects.
- Small Size: While the store has a lot of items packed in, it is considered small, which may limit its overall selection.
