If I'd known about this place I'd never have set foot in a Home Depot.
With Home Depot 25 minutes away it just seemed like the thing to do. Maybe it was the modest-sized storefront of this Home Hardware that made me think I couldn't get what I need there. What I didn't realize is that not only is their assortment of merchandise genius-ly managed but they also have a big lumber building down the alley in the back. There is also free parking in the back.
I walked in last week with a list of six items, including drywall anchors to mount a TV on my wall, lumber to make a lollypop tree for a fun fair, and a bathroom vanity top. The first person I saw looked like he couldn't be more than 22 but I didn't want to judge based on his youth so when he asked if he could help I just launched into my items, one by one. He ran me through options, made recommendations and got me through all six items, including one job that after talking it through we decided together I'd be better of with a handyman. For that he gave me the number of a good local handyman.
If you've shopped at Home Depot lately you will recognize how massively different this experience is from what happens at Home Depot. There's just no comparison. This Home Hardware is an absolute gem and I will never go to another hardware store again.