Ace Hardware Pennsburg

Terrible customer service. We always try to shop the smaller, locally owned businesses. On Saturday September 26, I was browsing chain saws with my husband. We looked for about 10 minutes before someone approached us. He said he would be back after he helped load someone. Another 15 minutes passed with no assistance. We ended up having to shop elsewhere. THE YOUNG EMPLOYEES HAD TIME TO CHAT WITH EACH OTHER. NWil absolutely not waste time shopping here again.

The big «we got everything and know it» hardware stores threaten to put the smaller local hardware stores out of business. It’s refreshing to know that the smaller guys are surviving and you can actually get service from a store employee and not have to run after them as they are running away from you as one has to do at the big stores (HoDo’s and Lowe’s). But, there’s the rub-​the employees at this Ace practically run you over when you enter the store asking you, before your eyes have time to adjust from the outside, what you need. OK, some might not complain at this, but I like to BROWSE… get it… BROWSE. I BROWSE, I BUY. This is a typical scenario: walk into the store-​get practically tackled by the staff, then be forced to tell them what you need. They take you to the product, you pick it up and before you have time to look anywhere else, they are directing you to the check-​out lines. WAIT! I want to buy MORE! PLEASE LET ME SPEND MY MONEY IN THIS STORE! Sorry, that’s not allowed. No browsing, no perusing, no time to catch your breath. It is a known psychological fact that the more time a person spends in a store the more he/​she will buy. I wish these smaller hardware stores would get this. There is another store I reviewed in Bethlehem, PA where it is impossible to browse-​they practically block the aisles with staff and prevent you from browsing except for the one you are in. Maybe these stores are afraid of retail theft? I wear a business suit and I don’t think I look like a shoplifter.
They really need to get it. They want to provide service but smother you and rush you out the door.
An experience, other than the aforementioned, at this store, was that I wanted an item that the salesperson had to look up on the inventory computer. granted, I was not allowed to look for it. I had to mention the item many times before it was found and I saw it on the screen and it read «IN STOCK» the salesperson said: «I’m sorry we don’t have it, but I can order it for you and have it here by XXX.» I pointed out that it read «IN STOCK.» The salesperson said that it didn’t and refused to look at it again. I left and had to have my arm twisted again to return to the store later to find it on the shelf and buy this item that «had to be ordered.» Unfortunately, this store was the only one stocking this item or I would have gone somewhere else. At the cash register I said: «I would like to pay for this out of stock item.» The cashier didn’t get it and looked at me funny.
Also, be prepared for sticker shock as this store’s prices are well above the big stores’ OK, they are allowed to make a profit and if someone wants to pay the extra for convenience, so be it, but to double the price on many items is, well, IMHO not right.
The only way I will return to this store is if: 1. I don’t feel like going to Lowe’s which is about half and hour away; 2. I need some small item that I know will be reasonably priced; 3. I am drugged and dragged in there.