if i'm in the middle of a job close by and need a part that's not on my van. I stock the van like a mini wearhouse -- keeps me and my tech from running back and forth all day. We keep a list of things we used and when a trip to depot or lowes is needed - we restock.

Empty shelfs sounds like they just are not doing to well. It is a shame but hard for them to compete against the box stores.

My local hardware store is my store of last resort or of extreme necessity. As much as I like supporting local, their prices are four times the box stores. I am very fortunate to have access to at least 4 box stores, within 15 min (two different towns)

Sometimes small is better. The growth is eating them alive. Must have holding money.

What have I bought recently at Ace?

A tool called grandpa's weeder. Keys cut. Washing soda and fels naphtha soap.

Once upon a time, there was a huge hardware store in town and it didn't matter what weird and unusual part you needed, they had it. They could also find it in the rabbit warren maze of small rooms and dusty shelves.

Nothing,

Back in the 1980s I thought we need to buy American hardware. Nobody listened, however the small hardware store owners would say " They don't make it in the USA"

This was far from true, it was the small hardware store that embraced the piece of China stuff first. Home Depot, aka Mr How in Florida then, was still stocking the made in USA.

I'll gladly visit a small hardware store but I'll only buy if I spot something leftover from days ago. I'll always try to be well prepared and not running to a store for last minute items.

Glass/plexiglass cut, screens made, anytime I need just one or two pieces of something that I need to get matched for some oddball thing. I swear they can match any type of thread, size, head, type of fastener you could imagine - and find it QUICKLY. Don't have to buy a bag of 50 when you need 3. I also like to go in when I'm scratching my head trying to jury-rig something, or what might work in a certain situation. Those guys are great! Their knowledge is vast and they freely share it.

It sounds like they need to get some independent feedback about their "curb appeal". Our fairly new True value I succeeding because they bring seasonal displays outside every morning, grabbing the attention of everyone headed to the grocery store or the Kmart in the shopping center.

They also keep attractive displays up front and on the end caps well supplied, and even sell local honey and seasonal produce brought in by employees.

AllyM,

What is this thing you speak of called hardware store? No such thing in my town. Walmart and Lowes came to town about the same time and wiped out every small store. We now have two super Walmarts, Sam’s Club, Super Target, Lowes, and Menards in the town of 45,000.

I’m amazed any hardware store can stay in business.

As the last hardware store was closing down the owner told me keys were losing business. One customer would tie up a sales person for 15 minutes to cut keys for a $1.50 sale. Shoplifters would keep the clerk busy making keys while they stuffed merchandise into their pockets.

He lamented that items are now cheaper and flimsy – a throwaway. People don’t fix toasters or lamps anymore. Back when they did his sales person would spend 20 minutes with the customer to sell a 59 cent part.

BRAD

PS In the HUNDREDS of replacment keys I’ve ordered from LandlordLocks.com not one has been bad. I email a list of key numbers and perfect die cut keys are on my desk 2 days later.

Thank you Brad about the key situation information. These folks make great keys. It's important to get people INTO a store and then maybe they get something else.

Wilma, what do the end cap displays look like? When you say seasonal displays outside do you mean like decorative with flowers etc and holiday stuff or do you mean like putting out the shovels and rakes and spreaders so passersby can see? This store has a porch on the side and a plain front facing the street. Until they got better signage it was hard to tell what it was.

They helped me a lot when I first took over the rentals after dad passed and mom couldn't cope. I would go in and ask them how to do things and they would tell me. I had a book of plumbing and electric instructions but it helps to hear someone explain while holding the parts in one's hand.

The do reglaze and rescreen and repair small items and have guy that does sharpening. They also supply party chairs and tables and bounce houses. The rain this year has probably killed a lot of that even though they rent tents.

Here is what I came up with. Carry newspapers and scratch off lottery tickets. Display pens and blades behind the cashier. Those are things that people need to replace. Then I am going to suggest that they have free coffee. A thirty cup percolator, some cups on a table and a container of cream and sugar. Saves a dollar and the time it takes to go to Dunkins. Maybe some donuts and a donation box to pay for them. More problematic things would be to get in the medical MJ business which is allowed here in NJ but that would require a "trained" salesperson. The main cashier is not attractive or friendly but she knows where everything is but she may be causing some loss. They sold a lot of Weber grills this year though and those were displayed on the side porch and right in the aisles inside. The advertising is mailing pieces direct from Tru Value as dollars off coupons. I always forget to take them with me until after they run out.

" As much as I like supporting local, their prices are four times the box stores"

Huh? if THAT store is charging 4x that of box stores,..then its a problem of THAT store.

I have three mom and pop stores,near me well run and the prices are just pennies more on most things,..

I find a lot of pluses in the mom and pop stores,..

I agree hollis. That's why my local, once thriving (when it was non franchise) hardware store, keeps closing it's doors and each franchise takes their turn running it into the ground. It's, crazy/weird.

I live in a small bedroom community, type town, nestled between three major-ish cities. I have no less than 9 of the big box stores within 30 mins and 4 of those are less than 15 min. No matter which direction that I leave my home, I am almost guaranteed to pass one. It's nice, however, all of the local type rental yards and mom and pop's hardware stores have closed. I couldn't even imagine trying to find a business model that thrives in the shadow of so many big boys. That doesn't stop my little, often changed, franchise hardware store from trying, though.

Their business model?...Everyone pays max! ugh.

Our local hardware store is actually killing it. They even expanded a few years ago. Now they carry mowers, water heaters, small tillers, all kinds of yard and garden tools and equipment, a ton of barbecues, Green eggs, Traegers, etc. They have a huge amount of pellets for those grills, spices, sauces, and everything else you can think of.

After they expanded they opened a huge area they carry a bunch of home goods, all kinds of stuff that bring in the women of the house to browse through the abundance of home décor and gift ideas. They must have over a dozen employees, all very helpful and knowledgeable (unlike some of the big boxers who seem to have new people every day).

I asked the owner a while back how business was because he had two new vehicles. He said it was fantastic. The prices are a bit higher but I find it is usually worth it for their expertise and the time I save.

They also have a rewards program. Every month they send "coupons" for $5 or $7 off a purchase of $20 or more. And occasionally a few dollars off with no minimum purchase.

I don't find the ACE prices to be higher in general except for the pex stuff. Their sorted fasteners are cheaper.

I get coupons and rewards $ regularly so it knocks the price down.