Aubuchon Hardware seems to be the only place to go around these parts when you're in need of…read moresomething Home Depot-related, or at least that's the best I could tell being from out of state and using my smartphone. We walked in on a Sunday afternoon in need of some pull strings for lights, a tarp, and some sort of hammock-hanging mechanism. Tyler was very helpful and knew exactly where to go for each item on our list. Unfortunately, Aubuchon does not have any hammock hanging kits specifically, but Tyler told us a few different ways we could hang it to the trees, showing us rope, S-hooks, etc. We picked out our items and then stood in line to pay behind a customer who was being helped by Kayla, a cashier. After that customer left, Kayla walked away from the register we were in line at and went to a different register and asked the man standing in line behind us if she could help him. I'm sorry? After helping that customer, it was finally our "turn." She offered no apology nor explanation as to why we were skipped. She just rang up our items and we left. Please help Kayla (and all employees) understand the purpose and importance of customer service. Tyler seems to have it down.

Deeply Insulted: This morning I went to the Gardner store to buy a bag of potting soil. I made the…read morepurchase inside and went to pick up the bag outside. I asked the outside attendant if potting mix war the same as potting soil. I said, "I guess I bought the right one." I proceeded to pic up the bag input it in my car. The attendant called out, "Hey Hey". I turned around and he asked, "Did you pay for that". I replies ''Yes I did" and proceeded to get in my car and drive away. I could see through my rear view mirror that the attendant was taking a photo of my car and liscence plate. I am 72 years old and have been a customer for many years. It will take a real last minute emergency before I visit an Aubuchone Hardware store again. Jeffrey M

They have a comprehensive product inventory, have excellent delivery including boom trucks up to…read more40ft that can place things like beams and shingles, free engineering staff that can answer questions and stamp plans, reasonably knowledgeable counter staff who make Home Depot look like children and are willing to work with you on prices that can meet or beat Home Depot. They are geared toward the serious remodeler or professional not people who want to play around. We still buy some things at HD but prefer National Lumber.

From the owner: Builders FirstSource is a leading U.S. supplier of building materials and building products for…read morebuilders, contractors, and remodelers, providing trusted products, industry expertise, and support for new construction, remodeling, and home improvement projects. Our Gardner, MA lumber yard serves customers throughout East Templeton, Templeton, Westminster, Baldwinville, Ashburnham and surrounding New England Area. We provide framing lumber and other essential building products to support residential construction and remodeling projects. With reliable service, convenient pickup and delivery options, and knowledgeable local expertise, we're proud to be known as builders' first choice.

With a constrained budget and the accompanying need to DIY a growing list of auto and home…read moreprojects, I find myself relying on Harbor Freight quite heavily. While I recognize that some of their brands may suffer from limitations if used continuously in a commercial application, I find them more than acceptable for non-continuous use and am quite happy with their cost/benefit. They also carry many tools and parts that are not easily found elsewhere, and if found, are found at greater cost.

From the owner: Harbor Freight Tools is the leading discount tool retailer in the U.S. selling great quality tools…read moreat "ridiculously low prices" in stores nationwide. Harbor Freight Tools stocks over 7,000 items in categories including automotive, air and power tools, shop equipment and hand tools. With a commitment to quality and a lifetime guarantee on all hand tools, Harbor Freight Tools is a favorite of automotive and truck repair shops, government agencies, schools, manufacturers, contractors and tool enthusiasts who want top-quality and great selection and value.

Just went here for the first time yesterday (just moved to Townsend a couple weeks ago). I was…read morelooking for an extra recycle bin as the town website advised this was the place to go for them. The staff were extremely helpful, offered tips on how the recycling needs to be separated for Townsend. They also mentioned that when I'm ready to start my garden, they've got everything I'll need and know all the best gardeners in the area if we're looking for plants/flowers. Super nice people who were extra helpful. Probably a little pricier than Walmart or Home Depot, but way better service, and personally I'd rather give my $$$ to a local business anyhow.

Great local hardware store, worth driving a little longer to access. The staff has always been…read morefriendly and helpful, they know their stock, and provide service for either loading your car or delivering. First found them when they were a Tru Value, now they're an Ace but the team remains the same. We just bought a battery-powered snowblower from them. Though they were out of stock when we visited, Sam told us about the orders he had in and roughly when to expect ours. We put our name on the waitlist, and got a call within a week of his estimated delivery. They were able to assemble and deliver it the same day, and it now sits in our garage pending the next plowable snow. Truly exceptional service, and we will be letting our neighbors know!

Great family owned business in Fitchburg. Super helpful…read more Give them a look, you won't regret it.

I love this store so much, when we need stuff to fix up the house we wait until we're going to be…read morevisiting my family to get it here. In fact when we moved back to MA and I went in there they recognized me, I hadn't been there in at least five years, it's that kind of business. It's a small store, especially if you're used to Home Depot but somehow they manage to cram a ton of useful stuff into it. It's a family business and they're super helpful. Support local business and go here!

Would like to thank the owner of the store personally for having and maintaining one of the…read moregreatest resources to the town and area. Not much he does not carry, and if for any odd reason he doesn't have whatever you need or desire.... he will not only have it there within a day or two, he will also then forever stock whatever the item/items were you inquired about! THANK YOU Richie for all you do for our community , from a well stocked store, to a great place to grab lunch too!

Great store in our small town. I have always received great…read moreservice for all of the years I have been going there. The large selection is impressive. I can't say how many times I've been working on a home project found myself short of something and nearly every time I have been able to find something that saves the day. I try to pay cash for as much as I can to help keep the costs down for the store. I/we need this business to survive and prosper in our small community.

Love the idea of being a man employee. Give me the chance to help the people in need of quality…read morecustomer service

Terrible. Wouldn't answer any of my questions and she had no idea about anything I was asking…read more Spend $100s of dollars there a year. They've lost my business

This store is actually now Hamshaw…read more Great to have a hardware store and lumber yard close by. Inventory has improved significantly since the end of the pandemic and with the acquisition by Hamshaw Friendliness of staff. 5 of 5 Knowledgeable and helpfulness 5 of 5 Prices 4 of 5 (no surprise things are more expensive than big box stores. Small town store, but consider the cost and time to go elsewhere) Inventory 4.5 of 5 (cannot be expected to complete with the large box stores inventory) I am glad they are close by

They always have what I need and the people who work there are great. Way better than Lowe's and…read moreHome Depot

Emerald City stocks an impressive range of fertilizers and supplement. The selection of containers…read moreand growing media rivals that of other shops in Auburn and Framingham. Pricing is competitive, plus you don't have to hike out to Auburn! I find the owners of shops in this market are friendly and helpful in general, and EC staff maintain that reputation. Questions are answered with NO attitude, just helpfulness. (And I've asked some doozies).

Great variety for indoor and outdoor organic growing supplies and tools. So nice to not have to go…read moreto the ends of the earth to find some of these things. Lovely selection of soils and rare hard to find nutrients - and the best organic pesticide there is - bugs! Very knowledgeable staff and super clean store make us come back for all of our gardening needs. They help you to your car with heavier items.