Do any independent hardware stores still exist?

[locolife]

Here are a few other options.



https://www.sixpointshardware.com/
https://mcfadaz.com/

[jmellc]

Originally Posted by exit2lef

Yes, Ace and True Value stores are independently owned. Although there is some company-branded merchandise, the stores all have their distinct personalities and most have their own names (e.g. Barry's Ace Hardware). It's a model similar to Best Western's approach to lodging -- have a national brand serving as an umbrella for a network of individually owned businesses.

I prefer Ace and True Value not only because of the local ownership, but also they're just so much more manageable to shop at than big box stores. I'm not mechanically inclined, so I prefer a focused product selection and attentive customer service. In Home Depot, I wander from aisle to aisle, dodging forklifts as I go, and still have trouble finding anyone to help me.

I go to HD a lot. I am an electrician so I usually know what I need. I see good clerks there but I’ve stepped in a time or 2 when a clerk tried to give someone a totally wrong product. It is not easy to learn so many products if you haven’t worked with them and/or you may work several departments different times. I don’t blame the clerk as much as the system. I did know 1 store where they hired an electrician to run that department. They really should do that across the board but that would cost more.

[exit2lef]

Originally Posted by Pink Jazz

Note that Ace, True Value, and Do It Best are retailers' cooperatives, which differ from a franchise in that they have a member-elected board of directors, which means their members have more of a say in corporate manners.

Thanks for that clarification. I've always sensed that those stores were not a typical franchising operation, but I didn't know the exact term for the arrangement. Is Best Western similar when it comes to lodging? I've always perceived more independence among Best Western properties than other hotel brands. This articles suggests the individual hotel owners are part of the governance of the company:

https://www.hotelmanagement.net/own/...fit-conversion

[KurtAZ]

There's Shoppers Supply...kind of a weird story behind them, they started in Iowa, grew to a few stores...guessing they sold that business off and opened 2 stores in AZ (Chandler and AJ). They are still family owned and sell much more than tools...more of a Farm/Ranch supply place with clothes, firearms, livestock and pet supplies and, of course, tools. I have found them to be a bit limited in selection and tend to be a bit more expensive but we have purchased a few things from them. Mainly boots, dog food, riding helmets etc. I try and stop in there before heading to Lowes or HD but favor Lowes. Can't beat the 10% Veteran discount when putting in granite in the kitchen last year