We prefer to shop and support this local business. This location is clean, well stocked, and every employee that we have encountered, provided great customer service. There's lots of free parking and carts are available to easily gather all the items you need. Aisles are wide enough to browse with your cart too. Majority of our gardening needs have been met here. We are so pleased that they sell locally made potting soil, compost, and even native plants. From time to time, we had small projects around the house and City Mill carried what we needed. They have a variety of home improvement products that are similar to a national chain, so why not support the local shop :) read more

City Mill - Hardware Stores Near Me - Honolulu, Hawaii

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This may sound rude but very slow workers and employees all look retired. Could not get answers on fertilizer and took forever to get help. Felt like I was in a time warp where everything moves in slow-mo! So close to my house but not sure if worth supporting this place. read more

The City Mill stores are locally owned home improvement stores located on Oahu. Founded in 1899 by Chun Kun Ai, there are presently 8 locations: Honolulu, Kaimuki, HI Kai, Kaneohe, Mililani, Pearl City, Waianae, and Ewa Beach. Chung Kun Ai was its president until 1961; then his youngest son, David managed it until 1991; and now David's son, Steven, serves as President and Chairman, assisted by his sister, Carol Ai May. City Mill HI Kai opened in 1993. It currently sells furniture, lumber, building materials, key making, propane refill, paint, jalousie cutting, electrical, tools, plumbing, window screen service, and more. How did it get its name? Prior to WWII, Chung Kun Ai owned the only rice mill in HNL and the largest in HI; hence, the name City Mill. After the war, City Mill focused mainly construction materials, but kept its name. While it cannot compare with the size of the big box retailer hardware stores and may be a little more in cost, we shop at city Mill due to the following reasons: * Local expertise and service. Their staff is friendly and knowledgeable with the local unique needs and can offer advice and guidance on projects that must meet local building codes. While there were periods of staff shortages during and after Covid, we've found staff in their red aprons to be very helpful. For specialized projects and making of keys, hubby tends to ask older employees or seasoned workers, as they seem to know more and appear to focus on details. And when I was browsing through the aisles, several red-apron dressed staffed asked if I needed any help. Nice! * Community focus. City Mill partners with local community organizations and provides donations based on request. Via the Chung Kun Ai Foundation City Mill has given back to University of HI agricultural programs, Palama Settlement, Food Bank, churches, scholarships, and more. * Convenient locations. With 8 stores across Oahu, City Mill offers convenient access for residents and saves time and gas to having to commute to the big box retailers. * Curated selection. While City Mill's inventory is not as diverse and expansive as the big box retailers, its product selection is carefully chosen to meet the needs of homeowners. If you're undecided on what you're looking for, it's a good starting place to see what is available. They even have educational toys and inflatable pools (seasonal). City Mill also carries some of the home storage containers and kitchenware that new venture that the Ai Family started called Simply Organized in Kahala Mall. The layout of the store is well organized. * In-store pick up and delivery. Online ordering with in-store pickup and delivery make it easier to get its product. They also use the latest technology to track their inventory. * Community events. City Mill's Facebook page features events and promotions that highlight their products and connect with the local community. There are garden expos for demos and meet vendors, Father's Day Keiki workshop, anniversary specials, how-to workshops, product expos, hurricane preparedness, and more. * Energy efficiency focus. City Mill has partners with HI Energy to promote energy-saving products and rebates, such as water-saving tips. Hours of operation are daily from 7a to 7p. Located in the ewa end of HI Kai Towne Center anchored by Costco, Ross Dress for Less, and McDonalds, lots of free parking available that are shared by its tenants. As City Mill is by itself, parking is always available, esp when you have to purchase bulky items. You can use a separate exit when purchasing garden supplies or lumber. It is assuring to have a City Mill a couple of miles from my home! No need to spend unnecessary time and gas to drive to town to a big box retailer! And with helpful customer service, City Mill provides us with our home improvement needs. Support local! read more

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Great service, conveniently located they generally have what I need. It's also nice to be able to get them on the phone to ask questions As a small business owner we're all shorthanded so I try to be patient when the sales team is helping someone else as I know they'll get to me as soon as I can Thank you, City for great service Kevin Mulkern Mulkern Landscaping & Nursery read more

Worst customer service I have ever witnessed. Incredibly overpriced and staff are unfriendly, snobby, and totally entitled. Save your time and money and don't even think about a frictionless return process read more

Turn on the lights or supply flashlights, come on besides the safety hazard. Service, selection, value fix your lighting problem

This store has terrible terrible customer service!! They treat their customers with disrespect. My husband bought a small drill package set that was boxed. It took the Employee 25 mins to even find it. Once she brought it to the front we purchased. It was a sealed box and assumed the items were ALL in the BOX.... Bc wtf why wouldn't they be!?? When we arrived home package was missing items ... like WTF City Mill.. you sell partial item... scammers .. you run a store that the employees are incompetent and can't tell the weight of a box as they carry it or even check to see if it has all items?? Mr. Chantel the manager was was highly disrespectful to my husband and basically called him a lair. He's in the Army and is a highly respected officer. To imply he was a liar is unexceptionable and unprofessional! Don't go here as they don't support military or first responders. read more

Whenever i go to Costco, i stop at City Mill in Hawaii Kai! It's a nice big store, not too crowded and lots of plants! The staff is very nice and friendly! Whenever i have a question, they're very helpful! Look at the Christmas 50% off already! Bought some nice heavy sushi magnets and Chinese take out containers ornaments with chopsticks! read more

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Very convenient place to pick up home improvement or DIY project materials in East Honolulu, Hawaii Kai area, but I was hard to find staff members to help out. Also, with one of the two checkout out counters operating, one can expect long wait to checkout when other customers making too many purchases read more

City Mill - Hardware Stores Near Me - Honolulu, Hawaii

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Our neighborhood hardware and gardening store, we try to support this local business as much as possible, even though prices are sometimes higher than the big box stores. They have a great selection of tropical design carpets, and cheap(ish) furniture. Plant vendors drop off Tuesdays and Thursdays, and you can occasionally find some hard-to-find treasures like Princess Michiko hibiscus. They also have a great selection of plants native to Hawaii. read more

City Mill - They reorganized the gardening section, shade plants now inside - Hardware Stores Near Me - Honolulu, Hawaii

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I don't often post reviews but City Mill Hawaii Kai is so deserving. The sales associates there are always so very helpful. There's one gentleman in particular, Wayne, who I'm always so relieved to know he is there if I have a plumbing question because I know I'm going to get straight up the simpilist, least expensive way to get the job done. He's a retired banker but you can tell he really loves fixing stuff and helping others do the same. I'm just a humble DYI weekend warrior type and he is never judgemental when I show him a picture of my broken plumbing and what a combination of YouTube and Chat GPT told me I should do. The prices there may be a bit more than Amazon or the big box stores but if I can get clear advice on how to get the job done right I've saved myself tons of money and time. It's like asking your Dad for advice on how to fix something but better because Wayne usually has the right answer! read more

Super bad service. I know it's a hardware store but this supervisor Chris (Kris), he was very rude and unpleasant. This isn't the first time I've experienced this with this guy. But I gave him the benefit of the doubt. First time I asked him a question I really felt like I was bothering him (my wife was disturbed too). This time he was flat out rude. I just feel uncomfortable going there anymore. I'm gonna take my weekly business to Lowe's or Home Depot. I was trying to help the smaller business but unfortunately Lowe's or Home Depot has way better customer service! P.S. lmk if Kris (Chris) quits. I'll be back. read more

It's convenient and they have some needed things like batteries for your keys, watches and small devices. Parking is plentiful and free. It's a minute away from Costco. Unfortunately maybe they were short staffed, but only one cashier. Long line and seems like the other employees weren't cashier trained, because you see them, but they are not opening the one other register. They did have the battery, but lack of check out registers. Hope they can fix this as, everyone will probably go to other stores with self check out or atleast more registers. read more

Honestly, as much as I like DEALAGES with the big box hardware stores like - Home Depot & Lowes, City Mill will always be my favorite local hardware store! Locally owned & operated, I find most of the City Mill locations to be very convenient for me, as they carry an array of hardware items to meet your needs for home improvement, or work tools (which I mainly came here for). The thing I like about City Mill is if you don't know how to do something, normally if I flag down a floor clerk, I find the floor clerks to be very knowledgeable & helpful in answering my questions. Recently, I was working on some banking equipment in the Hawaii Kai Towne Center area and needed a tool, & some lubricant. Lucky for me that City Mill had a store in the Hawaii Kai Towne Center mall! Parking here is plentiful, and the City Mill store is well stocked & organized. If you need to get something done, don't hesitate to stop by this City Mill store, as I can guarantee that you'll probably find what you need to make your repair easy, and less stressful. read more

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They are always helpful and I feel good about local businesses getting my sexy cash. ADA parking available closest to door Star Trek like doors open when you open and exit. They cut glass to size and order read more

Worst customer service ever!!! One guy didn't know anything other said he was "too busy." Totally different from the Ace Hardware store in Haleiwa. But just moved and thought this would be my new go to. Guess I'll be driving to Home Depot. read more

I've been to City Mill a few times within the past couple of weeks. I had a purchase order to pick up some supplies and when I went they didn't have it in stock. The worker said there were a lot in stock at the Kaimuki one and she said that they can transfer it to the Hawaii Kai one. She took down my information and said she would call when it came it. Weeks went by and I didn't get a call so I call them. They said they have a lot in stock. Told them I would pick it up that day. It would have been nice if they had followed through with their request. But this problem is nothing compared to what I experience this past weekend. My family was decorating the house with our Christmas decorations. I was putting up the stockings and fake chimney paper. We have textured walls so the regular blue tape wasn't working. Thinking, oh I'm gonna quickly stop by city mill to go pick up so sticky tack for the wall and some adhesive hooks. I go straight to their customer service line. I try my best to describe my sticky tack for the wall and she looks at me and rolls her eyes and gives me weird looks as I'm trying to explain. Then she tells me that they don't sell that. Then I ask for the adhesive hooks. She tells me aisle 25, so I go there. It's not in that aisle. So then I go to try to find another person. And ask the same questions. He directs me to the right aisles. Not sure what the lady's problem was in customer service line. That's definitely not how you would treat a customer asking for help. Don't think she should be servicing customers in that line if she has that kind of attitude. And in the end, when I found it and had to pay she was my cashier. No acknowledgment of "oh I'm glad you found it." It's just left a sore note for me that day about City Mill. I really like to support local as much as I can but this whole incident makes me rethink. read more

I called ahead to check if the Hawai'i Kai city mill had the product I needed before I sent my son there to pick it up. It took me four tries to get someone in the phone. I was placed on hold so long that the call disconnected. I finally spoke to the initially employee answering the phone and she told me there were 9 of the items I needed. When my son got there, it wasn't the actual item. It was off by a FOOT!! It upsets me that these people take these things so lightly. Hawaii Kai is very far and making a trip for nothing is a big deal. It's a waste of my time and gas. Poor service. read more

Impressed with how this location looks bigger. But at the same time, they need to fill in the stocks too! We are just here for nails & washers. Goodness we found them by the help of the staffs working in here. They were helpful & at the same time friendly. Bandit even bought a new sunglass & is so happy for his purchase. The good thing is that, this location wasn't that busy when we went here. Easy going in & out. Social distancing is imposed as well. They got plenty of Christmas tree from different sizes in here too. Pretty cool. Few Christmas ornaments though so do not expect to have lots of choices. This location is conveniently located in Hawaii Kai Towne Center where most everything is located in one area. I'd be glad to come back in here if I need something for improvements if happen to be in this area. Mahalo & happy juandering fellow yelpers! read more

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With Covid, I am spending lots more time in the yard and fixing little things about the house. On recent trips to Hawaii Kai City Mill it appears that everyone else is too. The store was crowded but people kept their distance and the shop has modified their checkout area with floor markings to space you out and plexiglass shields. I have always liked this location and find it well stocked. Last week I went to the main City Mill on Nimitz but found that Hawaii Kai has much better selection on plants. I also like their housewares section that has the best oil container (now that I am buying huge jars of olive oil from Costco.) It's in Hawaii Kai Towne Center so lots of parking. read more

City Mill - Hardware Stores Near Me - Honolulu, Hawaii

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Friendly and warm. Those are the words I'd use to describe the staff at City Mill. They know where their product are and more often than not, make recommendations. I've been to Home Depot a number of times where the employees think nothing of throwing around the worst of swear words around families and children. It is hit and miss if they know where their product are located. While I can get basic items, there are many times I have to drive into Iwilei to get items. City Mill didn't carry black outlets, colored caulk, and have run out of basic toilet wax rings and plumbing connectors. I've also had to run to their Kaimuki store for basic lumber needs. Their best selection is in their garden section. Always a nice selections of plants and gardening supplies. I also wish they had longer hours. They are not open early or late any day of the week. It means I have to drive to Iwilei if I need anything before work or after dinner. read more

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Any and all contractors should not use city mill ever when a customer buys the wrong product and as a service member who goes above and beyond to provide great service to my customers city mill would not do simple exchange even with proper documentation causing the company and my customer valuable time I will go now go out of my way to not use citymill city mill does not deserve a single star rating read more

I want to like this store but more often than not they don't have what I need. I don't expect them to be stocked with tons of options like a large home improvement chain. But today, when I went in for a common item, once again, they didn't have it. Even worse, many of their bins and shelves were practically bare. Unreliable. read more

Being very much a "do it yourselfer" type of person, I always need to get building and hardware supplies for my home projects. Since most of the huge big box type hardware stores such as Home Depot or Lowes are located either in town or west of Oahu, the nearest hardware store is City Mill on the east side. City Mill offers just a little bit of everything you might need although they do not have the expansive selections and lower pricing the bigger stores have. This is a good options for smaller items that you might need quickly but I find that making the drive to the bigger stores is preferred to get the additional selections and better pricing for larger scale projects and bigger items. read more

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Do NOT be in a hurry here. I haven't seen any clerks under the age of 60. This is particularly frustrating because they instituted a new cashiering system. You can imagine the confusion that is happening at the check-out counter. It's ok I'm not in a hurry but if you are, think twice about shopping here. Otherwise, awesome variety and local business. read more

A shout out to the manager Dan for exemplary customer service! I was following up on an order for some custom window screens to be fabricated which were not received within the promised time window. After speaking to him, I received his assurances that he would follow-up personally and expedite the order. He called me at 7 AM the next morning to inform me that they finished them up the previous evening and that they were ready to pick up. Mahalo Dan! read more

Convenient, nice supply, friendly help, good selection for tools, parts, etc. Easy parking

Friendly, close to home with a good variety of things from old school keys to modern decor for all your custom home needs. It took me several stops before finding the key I needed for my 30 plus year old front door. City Mills came through with vertically no waiting for my hand crafted keys. Walking through the furniture section I spy an awesome Spider-Man bean bag on display! Cool! You can get a nifty Spider Web Junior Bean Bag Cover for $17.00 or an Adult size variety for $20.00. Then there's a great selection of Area Rugs 5X8 ranging from $70.00 to $150.00 to make that special spot on the lanai look great! Then there's the garden center. That's another review all together. Mahalo Coty Mill for being my local "go to" for the "honey do" list! read more

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Love the service .. very friendly . Ken found all the items we needed and didn't just drop us to hunt ourselves. We had to replace a faucet and it was fast and efficient t with I think Sandy read more

City Mill - New faucet - Hardware Stores Near Me - Honolulu, Hawaii

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Propane fill took almost an hour yesterday. Been here to fill and usually takes 10-30 min since they only have one person that does it. Checked back at 30 min and my tank was still sitting in the cart. Another guy came in with his and told him might be a while. While sitting in my car I saw another person walk in with two tanks after 45min of waiting. Went to back at the hour and tank was filled. I'm guessing the person filling didn't want to fill one tank but was waiting to fill a few at a time instead of just one. In the future will either fill in kaimuki or before work at home depot or Lowes. read more

Went in this morning to get some keys duplicated. Pushed the bell for service. Several minutes later an employee shows up and explains that the only two people in the store that can cut keys are on the register, but will be back to help me once the line goes down. After waiting 10 more minutes (standing there on sore feet), I went to the front of the store only to find a very long line snaking way out into the store, and only two people manning the registers. When I spoke to the manager who was at one of the registers, he explained that they were short-handed and that they had to be there to man the registers...it was immediately obvious that they were never going to be able to come to the back of the store to cut keys! WHY WOULD THE CLERK TELL ME THAT SOMEONE WOULD BE COMING TO HELP ME IF IT WAS IMPOSSIBLE? A SIMPLE SIGN ON THE KEY COUNTER EXPLAINING THAT THEY COULDN'T CUT KEYS TODAY WOULD HAVE SUFFICED, AND PEOPLE WOULD UNDERSTAND. INCREDIBLY POOR CUSTOMER SERVICE! read more

Our main hardware store in the area. Love this place. Staff is still down to earth. Always go here at least once a week.

I use to live going to City Mill HK because it was so helpful and friendly. Well that ended and by a store Manager Mr. Souza ABSOLUTELY NO customer service what so ever and the tone and attitude he gave I am sure if roles were reversed I don't think he would appreciate me talking to him or any of his family members that way. They had about 8 employee just walking around fixing up the the store, I am waiting 30 minutes for a screen I ordered and paid from 10+ days ago. ALREADY MADE- I think that is where I get twisted in this because I didn't need any measurements or special order I just needed someone to had me a screen. All employees I asked about 5 all said they couldn't help me. As I write this I still cannot imagine why - it's already made I even showed two of them my receipt. So I call them and ask for a manager thinking this person would have some kind of authority to get the screen already made. A woman name Sandy who has a broom obviously working not like the other ones I asked she says sure. WOWWWWW THANK YOU SANDY!! You should be the store manager! Finally Mr Souza makes it to the back now I have been there 32 minutes- I ask why can't any other employee get me with an already His response I wish I could hire more employees - NO APOLOGY - just that and then follows up with maybe if I had people applying then I could have someone help you. Like how is that my problem??? My problem is utilizing the ones you have train them to give someone a screen already made- why would you need more employees? I say something similar to that and he say well what you like me do? I say maybe have a back up plan have worker call for help... he says well I maybe if I say we will try to do better emphasize TRY... like really?? Maybe you should try take customer service classes- maybe City Mill will save some business instead of people using bigger Mainland chains--- maybe thinking ahead about taking care of local customers just might help! I hope someone from City Mill Upper Management read this, because even when I said there is got to be someone you report to his answer was So.... WOWWWW.... so disappointed in the fact that someone in Management of a company that been in Hawaii for years would treat people like this- NO ALOHA SPIRIT- from a Manager- simply sad especially when local businesses are struggling to stay afloat. read more

We end up running in here pretty frequently for home repair / garden type things and ALWAYS receive wonderful service !!! Today Michael went out of his way to help us & get my daughter a balloon :) .... Sandy is also always such a sweetheart at the cashier stand !! Mahalo City Mill for the friendly neighborhood service read more

1 hour wait for a damn propane refill, when I asked how long they told me everyone is helping a customer. Meanwhile I watch an employee go up and down a ladder and a lady pushing her cart. Melita is extremely rude, I try not to checkout with her. Otherwise its our only home improvement in hawaiikai, so I'm stuck going here. C'mon HOME DEPOT! read more

The team at City Mill is the best. They are knowledgeable and at the same time not afraid to say "I don't know, let me get someone who can help." The staff has helped me figure out exactly what I need for so many projects. I've never experienced any mansplaining here, which is a major plus! I'm more than happy to pay a little more here vs. Lowe's or Home Depot where it's like a ghost town trying to get help. Bonus, my dog loves our City Mill trips too!! read more

In Boston everybody knows your name in a bar. Or, at least that's how the song went. In Hawaii it's at City Mill where everybody knows your name. No matter if it's a problem or a project around the house a City Mill is our go to hardware store. Not only are the staff friendly they are also very, very knowledgeable. They might not be the cheapest but they're also not the most hectic or stressful. There's something to be said about an long time, local business that's hanging in there with the mainland giants and doing it through perseverance and and just good old fashioned great customer service. Handy Tip: they have a second register back by the lumber. Usually it's open and you can sometimes avoid long lines at the main register. read more

City Mill - Hardware Stores Near Me - Honolulu, Hawaii

Besides dealing with a pushy salesman, grumpy, rude front sales associates (the two ladies) and lying (ladies at the front) associates- we did get the items we wanted...even though it took well over the "10-15 minutes" promised. It took us over an hour to get what we wanted. #bringbacktheoldassociates read more

Ok, make that a 4.5 star... wish we had that option. We always come to this store (or any City Mill, but mostly to this one) to support local businesses. It also helps that it's kinda close to home. hehehe. Love it that everyone is happy and says hi when we walk in. The staff are friendly and knowledgeable. Majority of the times when they pass by they stop and ask if I/we need help finding anything. The only times that they don't is if they seem like they're concentrating on something else. If we have a problem the manager/supervisor is there to help with any issue(s). The aisles are for the most part clean and clear of boxes/rubbish. They don't have the same amount of stuff as the Big Box Stores, but they are starting to have more selection than before. Looks like they're starting to listen to customers and bring in more items that one might find in the BBS. Ohh one thing is... don't be scared to ask if they have something. If you don't see it on the shelf, they'll definitely help you find it if they have it. If they don't have it, they'll see if they can get it and how long it'll take. I think if you buy in bulk they'll give a discount... go ask to make sure tho. If anyone from their corporate office is reading this, you might want to put some baskets on the endcaps so if someone (ie. me) walks around only intending to buy 1-2 small things and ends up with 4-5 things. I'd have to walk all the way up to the front for a basket. I usually end up just going to the register to check out. If I had a basket closer to the back where I was then I might have stayed longer to shop more since my arms weren't full of stuff. Might also want to bring in more seasonal items (ie. hurricane items, etc) and have them on your monthly sales. For example, we were looking for a manual hand pump for our 5 gallon water bottle, but you guys didn't have it. We had to purchase it online from Amazon. If you guys had that as a monthly sale item during hurricane season you'd sell out of them. Well, this is our friendly local hardware store and is conveniently close to home. We'll definitely keep coming back. A hui hou!! read more

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The customer service and overall quality and character at this City Mill is above and beyond the ones I've been to, and infinitely better than Home Depot or Lowe's. I've been here numerous times and more often these past weeks. The items at City Mill are a dollar or two more expensive than Home Depot and Lowe's, but if you live close by, it's worth it to just go to City Mill than waste gas, time, and patience making your way to those other stores. The Hawaii Kai City Mill is located at the Hawaii Kai Towne Center, and there are plenty of parking with plenty of space for you to load your items. There are carts neatly available outside and there are plenty of specialty carts for your larger, specific items also neatly ready for you in the lumber section. Every aisle and section are clearly marked, well-stocked, organized, and easy to find what you need. Each and every staff member working at this City Mill are very friendly, helpful, respectful, and considerate. I've probably dealt with over ten of them so far. One of the things that's great about this City Mill is their 50% off broken items, whether it's a small hole in a bag, a tiny dent on a can, or slight damage on a drywall. 50% off! I actually thought this applied to other City Mills, but I was absolutely wrong. The other ones I've been to only gives you 10% off at most. Their reasoning is because only 10% of the item is damaged or fell out of the package. I tried to buy concrete mix that's heavily duct taped, and I got zero discount because the bag "appeared full." After some discussion, he gave me 10% off, and that was "the best he could do." Oh well, I'll just stay at the Hawaii Kai one. That experience was from the Kaimuki store. Another great thing about City Mill is it price matches, but you will need a printed ad or receipt for the same exact item. You can't show the lower price with your phone, you need something physical. It's a great way to buy what you need at the Home Depot or Lowe's price. I do wish City Mill sells more items that's almost similar to the big retail stores, but it's a local store, so it'll be limited to the essentials with some unique items. Overall, this City Mill is great to shop at with excellent customer service, convenient and easy parking, well-stocked items, and some great 50% off damaged goods deals! read more