I like Ace Hardware stores. Most are small-ish but friendly and responsive to the needs of the average homeowner; glass cutting and re-screening services, yard and garden rentals conveniently just down the street. For these and other reasons I expect to spend a little more at Ace than at the blue or orange great-crate stores and usually the money-for-goods exchange is worth the small premium.
Most Ace's have a special place in the community, a specific need or niche where they lineup nicely. Alas, my current projects are rather involved and the ones not handled by professional contractors are better suited to the home improvement world. This particular store don't really mesh on any level except the free popcorn bit which is a bit of a let down because I prefer hardware stores to the other.