I was born and raised in westover. I am now 71 years old and i can still smell the fragrance of the hardware and garden center. Heavenly!!!!!! read more

Old school hardware and local "dry goods" and plants store. Pleasant staff. Loved finding out that they offer a knife sharpening service in the back. read more

I have visited this store many times. Each time I have found what I need. If I have questions, a knowledgeable associate is always available to help. I enjoy going there. And they live up to the "Variety" part of their name with many items available, for your personal needs and for your home. A great asset to our area! read more

Has the hardware items you would expect and also has other merchandise for around the home. The staff is very helpful, and it is a convenient small business. read more

If you have an 'orginial' older home that was built years ago when there were 'Hardware' stores locally where you could go and get an item to take care of a broken board, faulty faucet, electrical problem, etc. Yor would feel right 'at HOME' walking into AYERS. The people know their 'STUFF- local History, what item would help solve your problem & useful info on how it should all come together. In most cases you can buy 1 of what you need- - Not a BOX , as many larger stores have on their shelves. The value is OLD SCHOOL and still is available over in a little hardware called AYERS Variety & Hardware read more

Ayers is a full service hardware store. I tried unsuccessfully to fix a lamp and called them and was pleased that they made such repairs. They completed the fix in 2 business days and only charged me $8. They also sell a number of items that are not made in China. read more

Excellent help in selecting products!! Very pleasant and friendly staff Good variety of products & reasonably priced read more

This great historical establishment has it all, including actual well informed customer service folks who know their stock! Help them continue to operate by giving them your business first, over the big box stores... Now that Browns Hardware is gone they are the last of these iconic stores. read more

Absolutely worst experience ever. Both the manager and her boyfriend/husband are horrible people. In a desperate time of need through a snow storm they denied service and would not allow a return and in turn would not take my service. They are horrible people and should be avoided. read more

I came into Ayers looking for a hardware store, but I was most pleasantly surprised by the 'variety' part of the name! This is a place where you can find a little bit of everything and maybe exactly what you need. From home decor to cleaning products to kid items and more. It feels somewhat like a throwback to the pre-Amazon era, where you'd just go into a store and get items based on that day's inventory. Staples are always in stock, but you don't know exactly what you'll find from seasonal items. You need to trust that the store management is curating the selection that customers want. Based on the Yelp reviews, Ayers is clearly doing that. I'll plan to come back for future hardware needs, too, since the service is more personalized than at a typical big-box store. read more

A wide variety of merchandise, to meet many needs, including items for the kitchen, home maintenance & repair, paint, school supplies, greeting cards and gifts, and clothing items. Every time I have always found just what I am seeking, with friendly, helpful staff. Great store, a hidden gem, an asset to the community! And reasonable prices, too. read more

Unfortunate review. My toddler had a tantrum here and was throwing stuff. We tried out pretty hard to get things back into place but we were bailing out a sinking ship. Employee made a very passive aggressive comment on the way out and it really affected my very pregnant wife. I called and started the call with an apology and stated my concern about the interaction. Immediately was met with a focus on my incorrect description in an angry and defensive tone and then was called entitled. Didn't even get to explain even though I had felt bad and was wanting to explain ourselves because I love the store. I now feel very uncomfortable going and cannot believe I was called entitled, all after I have been a loyal customer for years. Would very much like an opportunity to explain the situation and possibly get to an understanding on both sides, but it seems impossible given I tried when I called. We like local and investing in the community. I wouldn't dare think I'm entitled because I was dealing with one of those days with my toddler and I wouldn't fault another family dealing with the same situation. I hope we can get to a good place. read more

If I could give a lower review I would. The blind woman at this store just gave my mother a difficult time about her service dog, demanding to know what service the dog provided. When my mother pointed out that HIPPA means a private citizen doesn't get to know that if the patient doesn't want to share, this horrible woman tried to snatch my mother's item out of her hands. Don't shop here if you are looking for compassion during chronic pain that allows you about one hour to walk each day. read more

I was very pleased with this place. Staff was friendly. They had a good variety of items and their hardware section had the bolt I needed. I would return here. read more

This place is a Gem! Always love going in there and finding things you can't find elsewhere!

this is the best general store in the entire DMV. prices on many things are competitive with their giant competitors and you keep your dollars in arlington. they are always friendly and helpful, and you never know what you will find when you start looking around. read more

Overcharging at this store! Watch out and compare. I couldn't believe it! $9.99 for this Dollar Tree item! read more

Ayers Variety & Hardware - Top tray was purchased from Ayer's Hardware and the Bottom was purchased from the Dollar Tree! - Hardware Stores Near Me - Arlington, Virginia

I have always had great service at Ayers. The salespeople have always gone above and beyond to help me find what I need. Sometimes it may mean scurrying to find items or even going down into the basement. They are always very kind and want to help. I am amazed that such a "variety" store continues to exist. They have toys, canning jars and pots and pans, some clothing items, gardening supplies, hardware supplies, and that is not a complete list! In addition to the great selection, their prices are often lower or comparable to other stores. BUT if you need it, they have it. Without having to go to tons of stores to find what you need. read more

The staff know everything! Attentive and knowledgeable. This is waaaay better than any big box hardware and garden store. I get my plants, birdseed, potting soil, hand tools, old fashioned candy, tool odds and ends, light bulbs, etc etc! Oh, and best place to get keys copied. Prices are great and it's near the Westover farmers market and library. Supportive local! read more

Don't mean to leave two one-star reviews. The woman who was nasty to my mom is blond (not blind) and says the business belongs to her family. During a phone call she explained that the law allows her to ask, "What service does this dog provide?" Technically, it turns out she is correct (for the record). The missing piece she did not take time to question is that maybe this customer is visiting from another state. Therefore, in her effort to be right she missed the opportunity to be compassionate. So... if you are taking a walk with your dog and need something from this store, avoid it. They are hard line about not allowing dogs and would prefer to exercise power than assistance. read more

Perfect spot for odds and ends! I get keys made here & flowers. If you need something random they probably have it here but it might cost you $1-$2 more than a box store. But seriously they have everything from home goods to toys to hardware stuff. read more

You want it - they have it. I have yet to be unable to find the item I need, be it hardware, tools, seasonal item, etc, The jewel of Westover. read more

Great local business that stocks a little everything. I didn't really know what a variety store was before going in, but the name says it all. They have a variety of different things! The hardware side is more straight forward with a limited selection of everything you're going to need for tooling around this summer. They even offer mower blade sharpening, although it takes at least a week as they are sent out. read more

Ayers Variety & Hardware - Hardware Stores Near Me - Arlington, Virginia

I've been called an Ayershead because I'm so pretty. I guess in terms of political correctness that should be a UluruHead, right? This is a really cool hardware and general store in the heart of Arlington. The parking lot can be a little tricky but if you're into Hardware stuff and not going to major brand name chains, then that's really great - prices aren't dirt cheap but then this is Northern Virginia so what do you expect. It's still a good way to save money and keep yours in the community. read more

Ayers Variety & Hardware - Ayers and graces - Hardware Stores Near Me - Arlington, Virginia

After struggling to get help at a big box store, I did the right thing and went to my local hardware store. I needed some slats cut down for my daughters new bed because there's a shortage of everything and we can't find slats for a bed anywhere! This place has a little of everything from candy to crafting to sewing and grilling. I dropped of my slats to get cut to my specifications, walked around for a bit and spent some money on other essentials I needed and walked out happy. The employees regularity asked me if I needed anything, pointed to the the isles when I needed to find something and were very pleasant. I hesitate to use the word "cute" when describing a hardware store, but I think the term is accurate in this case and while they don't offer triple coupons for items they sell, the prices are reasonable and more importantly, the experience is fun and positive. I highly recommend you give this place a try! read more

See all

My local go-to shop. Have to respect a real full selection of screws, nuts, machine screws (metric and US), hardware and all the little things you need but won't find at a big box. Better to buy stuff here and support the model. I mean like we bought a shed (plastic) and erected it. It has a split door with the left having a flimsy latch top and bottom. The bottom bent and failed instantly first time I closed the doors. Ayers had a large brass sliding latch I substituted 200% stronger and the correct self-tapping screws to use for my work- read more

Ayers is a gem, a step back in time to a bygone era when employees knew what was in their store and how to find it. An era where mom and pop hardware and variety stores stocked everything you needed, where you could come in for a drill bit and spend an hour looking at all the neat variety items on the shelves. If you ask an Ayers employee where an item is, you are quickly and accurately directed to the specific location. There is a public parking lot in back of the store as well as a back entrance. Just don't park in the 30 minute spaces, remember when you enter Ayers you will be there for a while, not because they are slow; but because there is so much to see and browsing is encouraged. read more

I interned at Ayers in college and worked with Mr. Ayers - a kind and generous man (to me and to the kids in the community). He would carry so much candy in his pockets they bulged - but he gave every child who came in his store a lollipop or piece of candy. I was blessed to have known him, and so glad Ayers is still open to serve its community. read more

There is nothing like service when you need a part to do a one off job. The inventory is there but you need help to find and there is service from being greeted and then directed. Another great advantage is I can buy ONE of teh items and not add to the drawer of um-needed widgets in my small kitchen. read more

Ayers seriously has everything: gardening supplies, party favors, ant traps, sewing kits, stationery, old-fashioned candy, road atlases, and more. I went in yesterday knowing it was a long-shot to find a specific tool my dad wanted for Father's Day, plus a halogen lightbulb, and an employee helped me right away, knew exactly where both items were, and I was checking out 5 minutes later. This place has been around for decades, has reasonable prices, and great staff. Support this amazing local business! read more

So many things wrong with this place, I cannot even begin to start. 1. Smells like Grandma's attic with about as much junk as you would find in an attic....all outdated stuff from the 90s that you could find at a flea market. This isn't a hardware store as much as it is a variety store 2. Candy is very outdated and past expiration.....with dust all over it 3. 'Light bulb' aisle has light bulbs no one buys anymore (no one buys FCLs!!!). Maybe that's a good thing for folks that want that 'hard to find item' but not for those of us who use LEDs 4. Fasteners like screws, nuts, bolts are limited in quantity. You need something, better to go down to CherryDale Hardware 5. Cashier was dour and grumpy (7 days before Christmas). Got more smiles from the millennial working cashier at the Italian Store a few doors down 6. Many 'things' including the cheap toys are made in China (presumably by forced prison labor...or even child labor). Dirt cheap and cheaply made (two items broke before I even brought them home!) 7. Store highly disorganized. Slip shod organization 8. You are NOT a hardware store if you do not sharpen garden shears or lawnmower blades.... 9. Hey lady store clerk doing inventory or stocking shelves....local store HINT: NO ONE WANTS TO HEAR YOU IN A LOUD VOICE (so that the whole store hears) GOSSIPING ABOUT NEIGHBORS OR OTHER CUSTOMERS.....no one!!! All in all I would avoid unless you want to step into a time warp. Arlington can do better. Close this place down and reopen as something more beneficial! read more

My first "go to" store is Ayers, not Depot. Ayers not only has the parts you need...they have the time and expertise to trouble shoot your problem. Plus, you don't have the long lines and parking issues. I consider the owners and employees there my friends and care for this store deeply. They have weathered some large setbacks with the derecho flood and with the covid restrictions. I look forward to being part of seeing them thrive now and in the future. Small business is key to our economic growth in this beautiful country of ours. Shop small first. BTW...I was a kid when Mr. Ayers owned the store. He was a wonderful man with a bow tie and a pocket full of lollipops. The new owners have followed in his footsteps beautifully. read more

Great store. Why is the cashier always so grumpy? I just want to buy something, but she's always giving customers unnecessary friction. Maybe she's an owner? Otherwise I'd be thinking about a change. Sick of being told how I am shopping incorrectly. read more

Old school hardware store, love it. Staff friendly and knowledgeable, great service. Come here for hard to find items.

I was on the hunt for a snow shovel to combat the 1st blizzard of 2016. I went to at least 5 home Depots and 3 Lowes..yea ZERO snow shovels. I definitely was not about to buy a garden shovel like some idiot. I was headed to night class and I happen to see the CVS next door to this place and when I walked in..I was immediately greeted by an employee with a smile. This place was stocked with all types of shovels and they were decent prices. I picked up two and headed on my way. This place is a hidden gem and I'll definitely come back! read more

This is a very nice neighborhood hardware store. They always give good service and is definitely my preference over Home Depot if Ayers can meet the specific need. read more

I love this store. It is definitely old school. Gotta support these guys against the big box stores like home depot or lowe's. This store is like your typical old neighborhood five and dime stores of years past. You can get pretty much anything here except groceries. Newer stores that are company owned and answer to shareholders have to maintain a high volume and have to rotate inventory. If it's old, they mark it down and get rid of it. This place is different, you can find all sorts of obscure old stuff if you look around hard enough. They sell hardware, cookware, school supplies, tools, gardening stuff, kitchen stuff, sewing stuff, kids toys, and a bunch of other stuff.. You just have to stop in here and see what else they have. read more

I am all about shopping small and supporting local hardware stores but Ayers could show more love to their customers. Three of my three interactions with the staff on a recent visit were unpleasant, starting with the gal who seemed perturbed by my question, a young guy who seemed perturbed by my request for help, and an unfriendly cashier who made no eye contact and seemed to be perturbed to be at work. I guess I'm spoiled by the awesome Ace stores in the District but this is one hardware store that has not won my accolades. I even went out of my way to shop here even though the Home Depot was closer to where I was, but when the staff don't seem to care, why then should I? read more

We're retired. Wife went here as a child. She was sharing memories with cashiers, who could recall stories from days before she ever hung out there. Old-timey hardware. If Home Depot doesn't have it, AYERS does. See photos of the Flexible Flyer Sleds and Radio Flyer ride-on wagons, bikes, etc. A classic frozen in time (1950s). read more

See all

Ayers seems to have everything one could every need, for a lower price than at big box stores and the staff are very friendly. It is also much easier to get in and out then at a big box store (especially since it is less crowded). This is a great first stop for anyone moving to the area! read more