Ring’s End

First of all, I stood at the counter for about 5 minutes while the «employee’s» were having a big conversation about lunch or where they were going for an event. Then the only woman who appeared to work there said, I think this lady needs help. One of the guys who was standing around chatting and not working came over and when I said what I needed (I spent $ 3,000 by the way) came over and immediately passed me off to someone else (who was fine). This was my second visit and my first visit was much the same. I went there because it was more convenient then Home Depot but from a service persecutive they aren’t much better. To be honest, I felt like they were doing me a favor.

Although many contractors visit here it’s also a great store for homeowners. Yes, some of the things might be a tad cheaper at a big box but I would much rather come here most of the time. The crew there are always very helpful and they have a great lumber supply. In particular, Tim has always been fantastic in helping me out whenever I come in.

Sadly Rings end is a necessary evil in lower Fairfield country for homeowners. There is no customer service culture that I have seen shopping here for 25+ years and the prices are premium for many brands that are available online. There are however some longstanding employees in hardware and paint that are knowledgeable and helpful in Darien. The Wilton branch should be closed in my opinion as there is next to no stock and most of the staff seem checked out or bored. The Wilton paint desk is awful and has consistently mixed off colors of Benjamin Moore that have to be returned. Contractors that I have worked with have mixed feelings about the company but realize it’s one of the few places in the area to carry many of the brands they need. Rapid expansion has come at the expense of technology infrastructure and knowledgeable sales staff. The website is useless and employees still rely on tear sheets and books from manufacturers. Delivery cut offs are ridiculous and simply delay project completion. My hope is that the new lowes in Norwalk will carry many of the same brands at reasonable prices and get rings end to close down some of the dead wood locations that add no value. Not sure who owns this chain but so far as I can tell living in this area for many years, I don’t believe they give anything back to any of the communities in which they operate. It all seems a bit shady.

Several weeks ago, my mom needed a new door handle for one of her French doors. She needed only the handle, not both sides and with the lock. Everywhere we looked, she had to buy the whole thing for over $ 200.
However, when I walked into Rings End, I was approached by Sam who was very friendly, professional and knowledgeable. After searching his own back room and not finding anything, he made some calls. I had to run, so I left him my number and he called me back at 8 a.m. the next morning to let me know he had found just the handle for $ 40! He then called me a couple of days later when it had arrived and I went into the store to pick it up.
Sam went above and beyond for a $ 40 purchase when I know the store makes its real money from the local general contractors. Thank you Sam!

Top of line for general contractor supplies and if you can get past the attitude that you’re only special if you’re a contractor and develop a relationship with the sales staff you’ll be treated well. This isn’t the homeowner store but it’s the Tiffany’s of hardware and lumber.