We live in Napa but we always drive to Friedman's for our home repair supplies. The employees are very helpful and friendly, and the quality of the merchandise is superior to other stores. In addition, the store is cleaner than some of the other large hardware stores. read more

I am so upset to just discover that calling our local store number no longer takes me to the store- rather it takes me to a central answering service for all the stores. I've been struggling to order 3 bags of soil amendments- 2 of which were going to be brought over from another store- since 10/10, now 12 days ago. I've made multiple calls. I just spent another 20 minutes trying to ascertain if the items coming from the other store were actually here in my local ready for pickup yet, only to learn that I wasn't even talking to someone at my store who could walk over and see. Belatedly, I recognized the guy's voice as the first person who'd helped me when I called the other store that had what I wanted, which was when I said, "you're not at my local store, are you?" and learned you can no longer even call and talk to someone at your own local store, period! WTH? I and my significant other (a painting contractor) have been shopping at Freidman's for over 30 years and over 40 years, respectively, and I am so upset by this turn. It's beyond shameful. Trying to save some wait time or ease the burden on the folks at the store? But putting all this dysfunction and hassle on the shoulders of the customer is an epic fail. I was OK sitting there for 10 minutes waiting for the first rep to get back with the confirmation, thinking they were probably walking across the store to check, but finally hung up after 12 minutes. Calling back and learning I had never spoken to a person on the store floor or nursery and the call center reps are going strictly by computer and clearly not getting accurate info. Plus they sold or lost track of one of the 2 items from the other store I'd ordered, and paid for, so now if I'm lucky I might be getting only the one; (due to a day lag from ordering and the message getting to the store personnel during which time it might have been sold). Still waiting to hear back on this. The other item they did have locally I had never got confirmation it was ready for pickup- just said pending. So when I called about that I was told it was there but then the order had cancelled because it voided out after 7 days. So I reordered it via the phone rep and that too was canceled-- this time within 3-4 days. I've always really liked Freidman's and I wish, I hope they will re-think and ditch this awful failed new centralized call service. The staff are nice, doing their best within this but the service is an epic fail. I want to talk to someone on the floor when I call. PS So I just now got a call back. Turns out one of the two items I'd ordered was purchased by someone before the staff went to pull it- and because it was a partial fill, it then became two orders or something and was left pending because the computer doesn't know what happened to the MIA portion. So the customer is left in purgatory, making these frustrating inquiries. Also, after going round and round and complaining that I can't believe I can't reach a person, I learned I could ask to be transferred to the nursery itself. That was not readily volunteered (putting it mildly). I didn't try it because I've totally had it for today after over a half hour of aggravation. But I am told the one bag was finally delivered to the local store and ready for pick up. So we shall see! It'd better be there after I drive over there for it! It's a sad day today realizing the once small-town hardware/home improvement store we'd always shopped with has gone the way of big corporate models. Used to know names and faces of many people who worked there- that was part of the shopping experience that made it enjoyable. read more

There's always a big checkout line. Very hard to get help. It's good and they have a lot of stuff in a pinch but just be ready to wait in line for at least 10 minutes usually read more

The staff is always very attentive at this Friedman's, but Jesus in the nursery was exceptional the last time I was there! Super helpful with all of my questions& definitely going out of his way to make sure I found everything I was looking for. Selection of plants is always top notch and the sales they had going for 4th of July were too good to pass up! Thanks again, Jesus!!! read more

So I came in wanting to get a sample tin of custom colored paint to touch up some scratches on my bike. Got to the paint section, pressed the service button takes two presses but then a nice workers comes and helps me out, he answers my question on which one is shiner and which one is more flat, then he states that the color i chose was for the flat colour paint sample tins but he could make it work. He was right! I got to watch the process, pretty fast process and got custom colored paint. Was $7 for a lot of it which was great even though I will only be using a tad bit of it for my bike. In the end the fried man's experience was great, and I got a almost exact match of paint and got some free stuff with my paint bucket sample for only $7! read more

This is a terrible store. They are out of everything, they know nothing. When you call to ask about a product that is common and that you have bought there repeatedly, they don't know what you are talking about. read more

Always have what I need. The staff always able to help with a solution to my questions.

Friedmans varies in the county depending on the store you visit, but the Sonoma location is always hit or miss. You will likely find what you need, albeit a tad more expensive compared to other large stores. The biggest gripe is the missing staff and when one is found, they don't always know what to help you with. With that said, I usually do my research ahead of time and just ask where the items are sadly, but it's the truth. Will it stop me from coming here, no way, just good to know for others who may visit. read more

Friedman's is the place for so many things, not just home improvements. Stopped in the other day to look for plants and flowers as springtime is the best. If you're looking for gardening help and supplies this is the place. The array and selection seemed vast and I enjoyed walking around seeing all the varieties. Friedman's certainly is a place to get inspiration for ideas and possibilities. Customer service is always helpful. Friedman's gets busy and since COVID-19 many places are short staffed. So please be patient. This is not a place to be in a rush. Prices are reasonable on most things, especially if you take the time to look and know what you're looking for. Plenty of parking! And, if you want to grab a bite to eat, there's food vendors and fresh brewed coffee. read more

Friedmans Home Improvement- Sonoma - Friedman's has a wide variety and array of plants and flowers. - Nurseries & Gardening Near Me - Sonoma, California

I have visited the Friedmans Home Improvement in Sonoma on several occasions. On the first occasion, I was met with indifference if not hostility or racism, and an unwillingness to be helpful. I stopped a second time , with much the same results. The Selection is fine, the prices were standard for Friedman, but the service and hospitality was terrible. I had heard similar things from others, but I have had excellent experiences at other Friedmans stores, especially the Santa Rosa location, so I did not believe it. On a few other occasions I have stopped to use the restroom while passing through. The bathrooms were clean, so that was fine, and everything else was like other comparable Friedman Home Improvement stores. However, my experience with the staff was hostility, dislike and an unwillingness to help on the two occasions I actually stopped to shop there. I thought perhaps the first time was a fluke, but no. In addition, I have heard many of my neighbors, especially those who are not white Americans (I am Latino) complain that they are treated with hostility and are made to feel unwelcome. I will not return to that store, and I cannot recommend anyone stop there, other than to use the restroom. There are other stores that value paying customers. Shop someplace else. read more

I have shopped before Friedmans bought the store that was over 35 years ago. That store has gotten even worse. They never stock to fast moving products. But if they stock hundreds of the non selling item. I talked to David Freeman over the years all he said is we only order when all the stores need it. That helps me in need. Went in the store today. I haven't shopped there in years. I normally shop at Parsons hardware. Because of things I want they have it in stock. Remember this if you live in Sonoma. I went into Freeman today to buy some small bolts for a project. Half what I wanted was out of stock. So I picked the other bolt that would do. Put them in there bag . Wrote on bag. Then I waited in line go to the checkout. They told me did you take a picture of the skew so it inventory comes out right. That's a joke. I have never saw this type of crap. I will never sho there again. P/S if you what a real hardware store go to Parsons hardware. Friedmans have turn into the worst store. Worst part Dave Friedman doesn't care. I never thought the store could get worse it has. Don't shop Friedmans they are a joke. read more

Tony and hardware was extremely helpful and friendly helping me with my issue will return great local home improvement store read more

Friedmans Home Improvement- Sonoma - Nurseries & Gardening Near Me - Sonoma, California

Friedman in Sonoma is excellent. I love how I can come here, and I see a lot of students or students that are graduates and going to college. I like to see how they support that. Everyone, there is very helpful and always with a smile. read more

I have come here a lot. It's the closest hardware store and I have been doing lots of Home Improvement. Experiences: 1. Brock & Matt (the larger gent, Caucasian) are great. 2. Brad was super helpful and up front about his expertise. 3. The paint department was hit or miss. The tall Caucasian guy with ash brownish hair, slightly husky, with facial hair and glasses, told me basically that selecting paint was no big deal and to not ask questions. It's all the same. Whereas the younger shorter husky guy, Latino, with dark hair was really helpful. 4. Tim is hit or miss. The last time I had interacted with him, he got unnecessarily patronizing saying "we're not plumbers. If we were we'd be driving around in white trucks." So this means don't trust the expertise of the sales people even though they are advising people? It was my 3rd trip to the store for the same parts. Tim could have just apologized that I was misdirected to buy the wrong thing, but he didn't. If a salesperson doesn't know if a part is correct, why not forewarn the customer ?...I would never have spoken in that manner to a customer and I would have apologized for the inconvenience, even on behalf of a fellow employee. 5. Because I am new to lots of things, home improvement is trial and error with getting the right supplies. I have had to do many returns for unneeded items. 1/2 the time, people seem to have issues with the register. Also, one girl, Latina young, tall long dark curly hair, only returned some of the items and didn't credit me for the last item. Then she supposedly corrected this. Then ended up charging me for an item I returned instead of crediting me.... I am now trying to buy as much as I can via Amazon and to just watch YouTube videos instead of dealing with salespeople who are not always the best. Home improvement can be frustrating. I don't need sales interactions to be too. read more

More nonsense. The place is badly run, period. Today: Brought a 1x6 to the cashier from the yard, plus a couple of other items worth about $10. There were tags for 16', 8', etc. But no tags for the 6' 1x6 I was getting. Price underneath: $10.89. Cashier had no idea what to do. Tried to charge $16 for the board. I said "it's $10.89, I'm sure". Called dude, dude said "that's from the yard--you should have puled a tag". Um, there were none, sir. He spends three minutes on the computer and walks away. No sorry, nothing. I figure, finally I can get out of here! The cashier says "$35.50". I walked out. I manage four properties--these folks are nuts to keep irritating me. read more

I just love this place. 8 of 10 staff are super knowledgeable. Great range of materials. I've spent thousands of my previous dollars here!

I very much appreciate Jolene, who designed our new cabinet layout and advised us about materials, color, workmanship, and price for the cabinets as well as the countertop. She is professional, knowledgeable, and gives top notch customer service. Besides all that Jolene is a genuinely nice person and great to work with. We ordered our cabinets, countertop and sink fixture through Friedman's and are very pleased with our cabinets. The counters are not yet installed, but I'm sure we'll be just as satisfied. A big thank you to Jolene! She listened to my concerns when I told her what I needed in cabinetry and went to work finding just the right style and layout. On another note, I have been to the information desk at Friedman's three times in the past two weeks with various questions and have received the help I needed in short order by knowledgeable and friendly staff. You all are doing a great job! Thank you. read more

Mr. Michuchen and Jon were very helpful in explaining and instructing exactly what I would need for my home project. I would definitely recommend this store to friends doing DIY. read more

Friedman's is located near a busy intersection. luckily midday, traffic is light. was able to get in and out within any delays. store is clean, well stocked. had trouble finding hardware i was locking for. flagged for assistance, got it right away. even thought they were priced higher than home depot, they priced matched. cool! take outs: -fast, friendly service -not out of inventory like home depot sometimes is.... read more

If I could give a negative review I would. I ordered 7 window and sliding door. 4 had manufactured or shipping defects. Called, sent pictures and many emails for almost a month now and nothing but empty promises. Buyer Beware! read more

Pretty nice to have Friedman's especially with OSH out of business. Great selection and friendly employees.

I have always had frustrating (and even bad) experiences every time I have visited Friedman's and they don't even have someone to answer their phones. No matter what store I have tried to call during business hours, the phone rings so many times, you eventually get a busy signal. I guess they don't have anyone to answer their phones. They carry limited products and the service is horrible. Employees have a lazy attitude and they don't offer assistance unless you plead for it, and then they respond rudely. It does not appear that they train their employees about polite customer service, and many employees are not knowledgeable. I think Friedman's tried to grow too big too fast and now they are over their head. I will never shop at Friedman's again. read more

I think it's so great to have a local hardware store, but they need a serious training program for the people who work there. It should not be hard to find someone to help you who is knowledgeable. And out in the yard I think the owners hire their teenage nephews and nieces because no one helps you load up your car with construction materials. I had two kids in my SUV and would've been nice to have a hand loading up bags of salt into my car. I will seriously consider next time just ordering online from Home Depot that has free delivery for items such as water softener salt. It also saves me a trip to a place that doesn't have great service. read more

Always enjoy going to this store. Very helpful staff are usually encountered. Have enjoyed their rose clinic in the late winter They also give back to the community. read more

Good place for home improvement, just don't expect friendly service. Some workers are nice, others act like they couldn't be bothered with questions, even a simple one. read more

I normally only write reviews when I'm either really, really happy with a company or really, really unhappy. Although I have had a love/hate relationship with Friedman's over the years (I've been shopping there since moving to Sonoma in 1997), and still get frustrated with them on a regular basis, I think that they deserve credit for greatly improving their Sonoma store over the past couple of years. First, yes Friedman's like the old-fashioned home improvement/ lumber yards of the past, does have an exterior yard that you have to visit for most wood (some interior trim wood is kept inside the store), and other heavy items like sheetrock and concrete. This is a GOOD thing. Why have we all been brainwashed by the big-box stores into thinking that wrestling heavy objects onto beat-up carts, then maneuvering those carts past other customers and employees driving beeping fork lifts (and avoiding the entire aisles they close off while they work - "for our safety"), then pushing those carts through parking lots to our cars where we wrestle the same heavy objects into our cars is a good idea? Better yet, try that in the winter rainy season where you and your purchases either get soaked in the process or have to fight other customers for the limited covered parking spaces near the door. I love Friedman's exterior yard with mostly covered bays where you can easily load materials directly into your car or truck even in the rain or after dark. I have never had to work that hard to find someone out there to help me when I needed it. Best of all, they let you pay on your way out of the yard. Try that at Orchard Supply where you must pay inside, wait for the cashier to call outside to confirm that they actually have the item you want in stock, then drive around and wait in line for the one person working outside to load it for you. Several times, after paying inside for lumber along with everything else I'm buying, I go to the yard and find something else I forgot to buy. No problem. I just load it and they charge me for the extra item at the gate. Second, they are really trying to adapt to sustainable building practices and offer the latest energy-saving and less toxic building products. They offer organic plants and products in their gardening section. I do think they need to start offering labeled FSC lumber since it is becoming so common at other stores. Third, their prices have gotten a lot more competitive. I have recently found a number of times when they were the same price or actually cheaper than Home Depot. Also, watch for their really good weekend sales when they take a set percentage off of everything in the store. My complaints? Their paint department is lacking. Someday, I'm going to ask for something there and they are actually going to have it, but I'm not holding my breath. Also, although the older employees consistently have good customer service and knowledge, some of the newer hires seem to have the same attitudes as the big-box retailers that I go to Friedman's to avoid. Still, they are light years beyond the service I get at Home Depot or Lowe's. Finally, instead of hiring away Home Depot sales staff, get the people who developed the computer system that lets us do returns by looking up the sale from our credit card number so we don't have to remember to bring in our receipts! read more

I've never been here before. I go in to get a key copied. I didn't see that is wasn't self-service. It sure is set up like it is. Employee walks over - "Do you need help?" I say, "Oh, sorry. It's not self service?" What's the response I get? "No. That's why the sign says employees only." WHY do people have to be so rude?!?! I just don't get it. To top it all off - their machine wasn't working and I didn't get my key copied. read more

The people working there are of no help whatsoever. Ask someone to assist you they sigh and act like they're doing you a favor. And once they are forced to help because you remain standing there in front of them -- they can't seem to find what your looking for and exit without a goodbye -- It's just up to luck there. A terrible place to get anything you may need some help obtaining. It was not always this bad but unfortunately it has sunk that low. Go somewhere else! read more

I love Friedmans. I moved to Sonoma 2 years ago and have become a loyal customer. If Home Depot or Lowe's has an advertised sale item, Friedmans will match the price (if the carry the same item) AND give you an additional 10% discount. My only complaint is that you can't check products online. For 2 years their site has said "We will have this service in the near future". Really? read more

Thank you Friedman brothers for saving the day, I went in needing a barbecue last minute and having it delivered. Delivery takes 48 hours but the store manager not only built the barbecue but delivered it free of charge to my house. This is why I shop local and not going to the big stores. Friedmans is a true asset to Sonoma. Thank you!!! read more

We ordered our bathroom vanity and cabinets with Jolene in the kitchen and bath department. She couldn't have been more patient and clear in planning our remodel. She's organized, customer service oriented and a real asset to Friedman's. Connor their delivery lead was polite and professional when he delivered our cabinets. We special ordered a barn door for our bathroom remodel with Robbie Fires. He was quick in providing us with quotations and even proposed a more affordable alternative that we never would have known about. We're really pleased with the final result and the service we got from Friedmans. Friedmans is an amazing store. Huge selection with the feeling of the old traditional local hardware store. read more

I love and hate Friedman's. I've had some of the best service ever at a hardware store, and, some of the absolute worst service ever at any store, while shopping at Friedman's. It's painful to spend an average of $5k a year at a store that is clearly having management issues. The anecdotes: They hate returns in general. You have to go through a regular sales line to do a return, which is slow for everyone because they use what seems like a very old data system (you still can't access their inventory online). For my last return, I left the store twice because they were understaffed and the line at the sales/return register had over six people in it. I came back one night 10 minutes before closing and got lucky - no one else in the return line or at the other two registers. As I started to do my return (which was maybe six items), the other two registers closed and four people got in line behind me. The woman doing my return got visibly frustrated with me. She literally threw, not tossed, each of my return items into a bin a few feet away from her. As I was leaving she shook her head and commiserated with the next person in line who complained that I did a return 10 minutes before closing. Probably one of the most petty and unprofessional experiences I've had in a store. Yesterday, I went in to buy a $1,000 water heater. It was one that is listed on the water heater information sheets they give out in the store. When I didn't see it on the floor, I asked if they carry it. They guy I waited five minutes for looked up on the rack and said, "I don't see it there." I said, "Do you carry any that aren't on the floor or can you order it?" He said, "I don't know." I asked if the larger Friedman's in Santa Rosa carries it, and he got frustrated and said, "How am I supposed to know - all I know is it's not up there on the rack." There are just two examples of the poor experiences I've had about 25% of the time I shop at Friedman's. Yeah, they are great 75% of the time, but it's not worth the gamble. I'm heading to Home Depot in Napa or ordering online from Home Depot or Amazon from now on unless I'm desperate for whatever I need. read more

I have a handyman business in Sonoma and I can depend on Friedman's to have what I need to perform my job. The real reason I am writing this, however, is to commend the entire store on their outstanding customer service. I am in the store nearly every day and I'm almost always greeted when I walk in the door by whomever is close by. The staff has plenty of practical knowledge so I'm confident in asking them for help when I have to. Keep up the great work Friedman's! read more

Thank you Friedman's! Casey was extremely knowledgeable, helpful, kind, and patient! We will definitely be going back. Sincerely, New homeowners trying desperately to replace our kitchen faucet read more

My hardware of choice! Such knowledgeable & friendly staff. Grand for remodeling & day-to-day, too.

I was in a desperate mood to find a faucet for my sink that has caused agony to my family. As I stormed into the store a smiley calm fellow approached me and asked me"how may I be of service to you sir". Immediately I got over my angry and desperate self and I looked into the eyes that gentle sole asking genuinely to help me. His name is Todd Bamford and he has been on this position only for a week. I guess customer service is not finding the best plumbers and/or electricians to get the job done but good, humble people to be there for you. Once again he took a personal interest in my problem just as a concierge in a hotel, he found the right faucet, insulation and all that in 10 minutes. Friedman's Should be proud of employing a stand-up guy like Todd. I am definitely going back to look for his help. read more

Customer serviced the crap outta me and I was grateful! I was given the task to buy some wood and I did not know what the heck I was doing. Thankfully the numbers that look like word spaghetti to me was perfect everyday simple math. The folks were fabulous and super patient! Treated me like I was special! read more

BRING MONEY!!! Prepare to pay double for Home Depot stuff - they know you don't want to drive to Rohnert Park, seriously. Good place for rich people! Since the remodel it is HUGE now and god forbid you have to walk back and forth looking for something. Friendly service. Not great selection but again, they know you don't want to fight traffic an hour each way to get to Home Despot, so just grin and bear it, folks! read more

Just moved to Sonoma and went by to look into remodeling my new bathroom. Had an old school vibe when I first walked in. Found my way to that area of the store, and was disappointed to see a pretty bad selection of general products. I walked around for about 10 min, then finally asked one of the 5 guys standing around if anybody worked in this area. The cocky kid seemed surprised that a customer would ever interrupt their conversation about their redneck trucks. He said that the person already left for the day. This store only employees one person who knows about bathroom remodeling?? I left, irritated, but made the short 20 min trip to Lowes in Cotati. I don't care if they beat prices; you have to actually carry product and have some customer service! read more

The frustrating day of back-and-forth mistakes was saved when Robert came on the scene to help out. He recognized the problem and took care of it quickly, kindly, and apologizing for the previous errors that had happened. I wish they had sent me to him first instead of wasting an hour and a half with other people who didn't know squat. I have had overwhelmingly bad experiences with Friedman's and I thought they were getting better. Please hire more Roberts! The five stars are for him. read more