Ever since I've lived on my own (for more than 2 years now), I've stepped foot in various branches of Ace Hardware. When you live alone and there's no one else who'll take care of all the house "issues" other than yourself, this place really comes in handy.
My "dining table" and chairs are from here. My cat's litterboxes are all purchased here as well. Pet stuff? Yup. Lightbulbs, adapters for plugs when traveling, super glue, shoe racks, door mats, adhesive wall hooks, travel luggage locks, plastic storage boxes, curtain rods, shelves... Ace Hardware has you covered. There's always someone willing to help you locate that thing you need.
As for the pet stuff -- I find it both funny and sad that a hardware store would actually stock up on pet food. I would never buy my own food at a hardware store... except once when I was in Baguio and this hardware store owner grew his own mushrooms and they were amazing --well that's another story. But yes, they do have pet food (mostly commercial kind found in supermarkets as well). They also have pet dishes, leashes, toys, and... clothes. Okay.
You know what they also have? Playing card decks. For you know, when you get bored from all that housework I suppose? read more