lgb wrote in news: snipped-for-privacy@news.sunsite.dk:
No, they're not. I've got one 4 blocks from me here. Yesterday, while having a recurring case of the plumbing stupids, I took the parts I'd bought from them last week, and went back down there. 5 minutes of gentle instruction, and the problem was solved.
"Upscale" wrote in news: snipped-for-privacy@rogers.com:
(Peter) Eames Hardware, a Do it Best affiliate, in Pleasant Hill, CA. Two of his brothers run Ace Hardware in Albany, CA, and his sister has an Ace Hardware in North Oakland, CA. They are all run the same way, with a mix of experienced older staff, and well-trained younger workers, who know how to get the right answers, or bring in the experts. This is already their third generation in the business, and the kids are already working there on weekends.
They are my first stop, because the problem gets solved most of the time, inside of 5 minutes. You cannot even park at HD in that period of time.
And, while I'm at it, I've had really pleasant experiences lately at Yardbirds Home Center, in Martinez, CA. A small regional chain, their people are better trained, their staffing levels match customer loads, their prices are competitive, and their selection, particularly on hand tools, is as good as any in the area. A special order yesterday evening went pretty well (we'll see when it arrives), but I cannot imagine dealing with HD on a similar product in nearly as comfortable a manner.
Lowes has no fear of HD and in many cases will build their stores in sight of the HD. They both have their strong points and seem to exist well together.
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