The OTHER hardware store
@GardenGerty (169406)
United States
February 6, 2019 7:26am CST
A few days ago I mentioned going on a ride to show hubby the other hardware store. There is a reason.
When we lived in McPherson I really liked the Ace Hardware store. They had all kinds of things if I ever needed it. I could come in the front or back entrance, and browse. Sometimes I do not know what I need, but I know it when I see it. When I needed help I could get some help, no problem. I knew if I needed help.
Well the Ace Hardware Store in Marion, Ks. is not quite like that. Both hubby and I hate to go there, for a particular reason.
A shopper cannot get ten feet inside the door before someone is there, practically at your elbow, asking you what you want. They almost always have about four people standing around. You tell them exactly what you want and are escorted to that item, if they know they have it. I snuck off once and found something they said they did not have that I wanted.
It feels creepy. Hubby says it feels like they expect him to shop lift. We might only need washers for a faucet, but we have to be escorted. I will not go there.
Anyway, I told hubby he could always go to Marion Hardware, an independent store. He said "No, they went out of business." I told him "No" they built a new building, the old building is now their warehouse, it is around the corner. So we went for a drive.
Next time we need an item we will try this store. It could not be any worse.
10 people like this
12 responses
@GardenGerty (169406)
• United States
7 Feb 19
They kind of keep their eye on you. The Ace Hardware back in McPherson was nice, always had seasonal stuff and people who could help.
1 person likes this
@wolfgirl569 (135583)
• Marion, Ohio
6 Feb 19
I hate that from car salesmen too. Sometimes I just want to look around. Hope the other store is better.
3 people like this
@GardenGerty (169406)
• United States
7 Feb 19
You know, sometimes we might go in just wanting washers for the garden hose. If they find it for us and we pay and leave, how do they know that we might have bought five gallons of paint on an impulse.
@LovingMyBabies (85923)
• Valdosta, Georgia
6 Feb 19
I have been in stores where they thought every customer was a thief-I would never go back either. There's no reason for that!
3 people like this
@GardenGerty (169406)
• United States
7 Feb 19
I know. Or maybe they are just excited to finally have a customer. It just is not right for me.
1 person likes this
@GardenGerty (169406)
• United States
7 Feb 19
@Fleura that has been my thought all along. It is a wonder they stay in business. They probably have longer hours than the other one, but I will even drive out of town to browse in peace.
2 people like this
@BarBaraPrz (51811)
• St. Catharines, Ontario
6 Feb 19
I was going to mention that, too,
2 people like this
@GardenGerty (169406)
• United States
7 Feb 19
I have been known to find things that the employees told me they did not carry. If it was just me they treated that way I would chalk it up to sexist bias, but they treat Bob that way as well. As if we have no clue what we are doing.
1 person likes this
@GardenGerty (169406)
• United States
7 Feb 19
Some stores are that way and it makes people uncomfortable.
@BarBaraPrz (51811)
• St. Catharines, Ontario
6 Feb 19
Sounds llike a good way to LOSE business. Don't they know that if they let you browse you might come across something else that you need/want?
1 person likes this
@GardenGerty (169406)
• United States
7 Feb 19
You would think so, but we will go out of town if we have to to avoid this place.
1 person likes this
@GardenGerty (169406)
• United States
7 Feb 19
If at all possible, we do not go back.
1 person likes this
@GardenGerty (169406)
• United States
9 Feb 19
@LadyDuck sometimes I would buy more, if given a chance to look around. I love to go to lumberyards and hardware stores and just wander around getting ideas.
1 person likes this
@LadyDuck (502148)
• Italy
7 Feb 19
@GardenGerty I need to take my time to look around before to decide what to buy.
1 person likes this
@Courtlynn (67089)
• United States
7 Feb 19
I'm with Eva.
Goodluck with the new store whenever you go
1 person likes this
@GardenGerty (169406)
• United States
9 Feb 19
So often we can get what we want at Wal Mart, but these two hardware stores are about a half hour closer, I would give them my business if they would let me.
1 person likes this
@andriaperry (118793)
• Anniston, Alabama
8 Feb 19
OMG! They do that here and I hate it. BUT I get a coupon for $5 off 20 so I will go in and walk really fast to what I want and act like I do not hear them sking me do I need help.
1 person likes this
@GardenGerty (169406)
• United States
9 Feb 19
We used the store a lot in our other town. We do not always use the coupons, but will grit our teeth and hope they are distracted while we run in the front door.
1 person likes this
@JohnRoberts (109841)
• Los Angeles, California
6 Feb 19
It does provide jobs and they are trying to be helpful.
1 person likes this
@GardenGerty (169406)
• United States
7 Feb 19
It is true it is jobs for those guys, but somehow it is not seeming helpful in the way I need.
1 person likes this
