Been going to Garber's for nearly 30 years, since they had their old storefront on 8th Avenue. This is the only hardware store in the area that still carries building, electrical, and plumbing supplies for every repair you can think of. I've been in other stores where they didn't even know the difference between a sheet metal screw and a wood screw, and they only carry one brand of any item. As for reviews below that say the proprietors are dismissive to women -- this couldn't be more wrong! From the first time I was in there, I was spoken to with respect, treated like a knowledgeable customer instead of talked down to by someone assuming I knew nothing. This is one of the reasons I go there instead of anywhere else -- no mansplaining. Garber's is a true, old-style hardware store, with generations of family behind the counter, everything you could possibly need to fix up your house or apartment (or a promise to order it if they don't have it), and yes, even a curmudgeon or two. So what? They're not obsequious, but they are very helpful -- and busy with tradespeople, which tells you everything you need to know about how good they are. read more

Truly some of the rudest people you'll ever encounter. I came in for a simple exchange after realizing--within five minutes of my purchase--that I had bought the wrong item. Instead of trying to help, they immediately gave me attitude and refused to work with me. Even if you're polite and respectful, they treat you like you're inconveniencing them. What's even more disappointing is the way they respond to customers in their Google reviews. They seem to expect everyone to have expert knowledge of hardware. Not everyone works in that industry--I'm in finance, and that's exactly why I came to a hardware store for help. If customers already knew everything, they wouldn't need to ask questions in the first place. A little patience and basic customer service would go a long way. read more

There's a large "Retail Space Available" sign in their front window. What a shame. When the previous generation ran the store (the old guys ), it was the best hardware store anywhere! When the young punks took over, they ran this venerable NYC icon into the ground. The inventory was ignored, friendly service no longer existed, and god forbid you ask a question! After my last 2 visits there, I just knew Amazon was going to kick their a$$! Glad I got an orange Garber canvas tote before the end. RIP Garber read more

Attendant was super rude over the phone and in person. They overcharge. I was looking to get a key copied and that usually costs me $1.50, but Gerber charges $3 with a side of attitude. Your staff need more customer service training. read more

Hey Garbers! How about when you say you open at 8 am, be open at 8 am. Don't make people wait like you did today. Waited till 8:15 then left. Are you really so arrogant as to think you can run a business this way? read more

BUYER BEWARE!!! If you want to be treated Badly, Ignored, Disrespected...then shop at Garber Hardware! Scott, the Owner is Nasty, Dismissive and downright RUDE!!! When asked a Question, he answers in a condescending tone and speaks to his customers like they are beneath him. He is simply an A**Hole! I will NEVER shop here again and refuse to support this jerk and his terrible business practices. You will leave feeling like you've been scolded, simply because you asked a perfectly legitimate question. I've Never been spoken to so poorly by a Business Owner! Being the owner doesn't mean it's ok to Disrespect your customers. In this day, and age of Social Media, there's something that can be done about people like him! Tell EVERYONE and shout it LOUDLY! He speaks to his customers with such disregard!!! We, the Customers, support you DB!!!! Get a Clue! We can NOT support You!!! Be Kind to those that Pay your Salary or stay home! We don't need to leave your establishment being made to feel badly because it's too much effort for You to be a Decent Human Being. I'm gonna post EVERYWHERE, until No One shops here. You're All Done treating people badly!!! read more

Insanely overpriced ($11 for painters tape, though the other day it was $12, it's $7 at home depot), inconsistent pricing.

If you're visiting NYC and never experienced a man child, Now is your chance!! Admission is free. I've been going for years and it's crazy how grown men trapped in this work box have never evolved out of the "my poop don't stink" phase. Reality check- no one should be waiting 4 mins of you staring at a screw head to answer a question- no one should have to do price checks for you on merch because you're too lazy to look yourself- no one should be paying 40 a gallon for paint when they complain about mixing it Every.Single.Time Greenwich Hardware is free admission also, with respectful service by adults adulting. read more

Still can't seem to kick the "I completely don't give a shit" attitude here! What's so difficult?

Garbers review: I want to start by saying I have lived and run my business in the West Village for the past 15 years. I try and support local businesses, and in return, I expect excellent service. I mean really -the reason not to go to Amazon is to get to speak to a human and ask questions. Right? I go to Garbers Hardware at least 3 x a week, during a big project maybe 6 days a week. I own an Interior design- build-staging co. I probably spend 10K -20K or more a year there in an effort to not order everything from Amazon, build.com or Home Depot. Today I went into Garbers- I was the only customer so they weren't too busy. I needed some last-minute items to refinish a client's vintage cabinet. I was stripping the cabinet and wanted to know if a specific brush would be appropriate to use with the chemical I was using. An appropriate counter-question from the counter clerk sitting there would have been "how large of an area are you working on", "what chemical are you using", etc... instead the guy behind the counter didn't even look at the brush, just smirked at me and laughed and said, "of course, you can use that brush to strip paint" in a sarcastic way. I was really taken aback. Is this why I spend double what Amazon would charge to support my local business so that I can be sassed by an asshole behind the counter? After I paid for the items, I said to the guy- "There are no stupid questions, especially in a hardware store, and if you knew what the hell you were doing you would have known that certain brushes do not work with certain chemicals or on certain materials". There ARE one or two people who work there who put in the effort to be helpful, but every time I go in there there is a 50/50 chance the person will be unhelpful and rude., Again, why go to your mom and pop shop if not for good advice, helpfulness etc. Also, he could have totally taken the time to go to the painting section and sell me more stuff- if he took ANY interest in my project he could have turned that 16$ sale into a 50$ sale or more. If the owner of Garber's cares about sale , he needs to retrain his workers to be salespeople and hardware experts and to realize that people only go to them to ask questions and get advice. Not for dumbasses sitting and smirking at customers. IF your sales people dont know anything about hardware then they should be taught to be nice and say "let me get one of our paint specialists to help you". read more

Went to three other hardware stores within 2.5 miles of Javits Center, until finding Garber Hardware. I was trying to find a certain screw for a robotic camera plate & the gentleman and young lady working the afternoon of 11/18/24 there were awesome. They found the screw but it was too long and they went ahead and cut it to my specifications. Really appreciated their service and attitude towards an out of towner working in NYC for the week. Thanks to them both for helping get the show on the air! read more

So I've been going to garners for 30 plus years when they were on 8th avenue before they moved to Greenwich ave so obviously the old guys have gone but today a women came in and asked about some plumbing problem and she brought something in but the guy looked at her and said maybe just shit in a bucket, what happened to help there? So disappointing and rude read more

I've shopped here against my better judgement on numerous occasions, for convenience. Each time, at least one staff member is rude and/or dismissive. They must hire a certain type and it's not good, each a man child. The price gouging is outrageous due to its location, but the service or lack there of, is the main reason I will not give them another chance. Stop price gouging and being obnoxious to your neighbors, you angry, rude clerks. read more

I have been going to Garber's for many years. However, I had not been in awhile. When I went last week, I was shocked at how rude the staff was. The main guy there seemed annoyed anytime I asked a question. The assistant did not know anything about anything. It is really frustrating to go to the local hardware store and get such negative feedback. I would say they need better customer service. Because if I can go somewhere else, with a nicer staff, I will everytime. read more

Been going to them for forty years. Knew the ancient dudes back at the original store, then the younger ones. This new generation of the family manning the store is terrible. Worse attitude, not helpful, and downright nasty. I will not set foot in there anymore. I have other options. read more

Believe the reviews which call out the owner Scott. Unbelievably nasty and hostile for no reason other than he is an angry guy. Refused to help me with a simple order and yelled for me to leave when I told him I needed assistance with buying the right product at the store. Basically told me he is not there to help. It was abundantly clear that he is looking for a fight. Other staff have been decent in the past but Scott needs anger management and counseling. I will never frequent this store again as long as he is the owner. read more

The West Village store looks quite organized and is a solid place to pick up various hardware sundries. This is my go-to place for key duplication as they always do a good job of it. I don't go there often nor long enough to chat much with the counter personnels but I'd say their customers could need a warmer customer reception and more smiles. Afterall, smiles don't cost a thing and a cheerier attitude from your sales people makes for a better customer experience. read more

A fair amount of stuff & staff knows where things are but REALLY uninterested in using their expertise (?) helping you figure out how to accomplish a not standard project. Not the way it used to be... read more

Despite a grumpy staff that feels put out everytime you need help, they do have everything you would need for your hardware needs. As a retail manager for a small business I can state that if anyone from my staff treated customers the way these Garber folks treat theirs, they may very well be shown the door. read more

I don't know what happened to Garbers. It was such a unique store I've patronized for 50 years.The Garbers have helped me with many projects. Last week, I went to the Chelsea store to buy primer for some fresh plaster on painted drywall in my shower. The man recommended DryLok. Since I trust Garbers, I went home and applied it to two walls. Then, I went online and read it was ONLY for Masonry. I called the store and thank God the man helping me said wash it off with soap and water ASAP so I spent about an hour washing off what I just put on which was harder than you can imagine. I blew thru a new pair of gloves and soaked all the blue painter's tape I had up (also bought at Garbers) So, I went back to the store today to return the DRYLOK and Nathaniel said it was what he would recommend when the website clearly states it is for cement and brick only. I described in detail how much trouble I went to and what a waste of a day it was and he said, " DIY projects are never easy" -never taking into account my project was made hard because of the bad advice I received at the store. Plus I am a senior I didn't appreciate spending an hour naked in the shower scrubbing this stuff off. I got my DRYLOK refunded and bought a new roll of blue tape. I asked that they throw in the cheap yellow rubber gloves as a gesture and Nathaniel laughed at me and said "he can't do it". Then, another relative finally spoke up and said the Drylok was the wrong product all along so I asked again that they give me the rubber gloves free as I would not have ruined the other pair had I not had to scrub the product off two walls- and Nathaniel laughed it off. I was going to forget about it...but honestly I feel undervalued as a customer. 50 years I go there before anyplace else though they have helped me in the past I wonder why they were so unresponsive today? I wasted hours on the this project preparing the areas, applying the product and then scrubbing it all off, washing the floors etc. Nightmare and no empathy at all from them. read more

Asked owner of hardware store simple things about light switches. He seemed so annoyed that I was asking just a few questions that took a total of 15 seconds. This also happened the last time I came a week ago with my husband and gave the owner the benefit of the doubt if he was having a bad day. Today was the second time he was rude. I am assuming his personal life is awful and he comes to work radiating his miserable energy. Avoid going here if you need assistance or don't want to be spoken down to. Also, it's amazing there are a bunch of other reviews in here of what a terrible person the owner is. Going to tell everyone to avoid this place like the plague. read more

Very helpful staff! They saved my day. My car key wasn't working - I handed it over to them and they fixed it completely

Garber's is the best hardware store in the city. Period. When I need something I can't find elsewhere, I go to them; better yet, I would go to them first, but I live way across town. A few weeks ago, I asked if they had Flitz metal polish; they said, "We're working on it." Today I bought a tube; nothing works better on my vintage euphonium--which lost its lacquer long ago. Also, I avoid chain stores, and will go out of my way to go to a family-owned small business. read more

See all

This is a long-time family-run neighborhood fixture. I have patronized 3 generations of Garbers during my 45-year residency in the West Village. Two brothers, who look to be in their 60s, currently run the store. They are the ones who are the source of the ill will. The younger generation is pretty nice. I shopped there from 1973 until last year, but my wife wouldn't go in because the old guys seem to quite regularly treat women especially poorly. To men, not as much. I was grateful for the convenience and willing to pay the higher prices to avoid the schlep to Home Depot on 23rd St. So, it was my job to go to the hardware store. That is, until last year, when one of the brothers (the one who wears shorts in the dead of winter) told me not to shop there anymore because I asked a question about something and then didn't buy it. I told him to have a good rest of his life and will not ever return. What a nasty guy. Another story about them...when my wife and I first rented an apt. in the West Village in 1973, our real estate agent was an older woman and a colorful village fixture. She was very nice to us and wished us well. When she gave us the keys to our new place she shook our hands and said, "Don't get them copied at Garber's, they don't do such a good job." What was true then is still true today. About a third of the time, their copies don't work. We learned this the hard way. We go, instead, to Greenwich Locksmith at 56 7th Ave. South, @ Perry St. read more

The last two time I have been to Garber's the service has been so rude and bad attitude. I have been going to Garber's for 30 years, first when it was near Horatio St. I go there instead of patronizing the big box stores. But the last two times the service from two different people, one woman, one man, has been so rude and unhelpful. If people don't want to work at Garber's and help customers, they should get other jobs. Garber's, what happened to you? read more

Smug, rude, petty tw*ts. Warning: They give wrong advice for serious issues. Avoid Smug, rude, petty tw*ts. Warning: They give wrong advice for serious issues. Avoid Smug, rude, petty tw*ts. Warning: They give wrong advice for serious issues. Avoid read more

They have everything! All the staff is knowledgeable and they always have what I'm looking for in stock. I'm amazed at their diverse and complete inventory. Its a great store to have in the neighborhood! read more

My last three visits here the service was surprisingly bad. New management? After 18 years of patronage, I will look elsewhere. Farewell dear Garber's. read more

These people are the rudest people ever! They have no idea what customer service means. They always look angry, all of them, and if you ask them anything, they just look at you like you're a total idiot and act like they are doing you a favor by barking out the answer. I live a couple of blocks away and simply refuse to give them my money anymore. I'd rather walk to HomeDepot on 23rd. St. where they have an excellent inventory and great customer service. There must be a reason why Garber is empty most of the time! read more

Went in with a stuck lighting-bracket asking if they could replace it. They unstuck it, handed it back, so I didn't need a new one. No charge. Friendly, helpful and unreasonably reasonable! read more

TRY TO AVOID THIS PLACE IF YOU DON'T WANT TO GET YOUR DAY SO RUINED!!THERE'S VERY RUDE, UNPROFESSIONAL, ARROGANT AND RACIST PEOPLE WORKING HERE! My husband and I went to buy some stuff that he needed for a job that he is getting done nearby and guess what??The first thing my husband warned me about this place happened. After we selected all the tools and all the stuff that we needed at the register the guy told us the total price:$216.60 WITH AN ARROGANT ATTITUDE!!!! And threw his phone to us in a rude manner because we asked him for the favor to call the company my husband has the contract with so they could pay him with their credit card + he called next costumer saying: next someone who actually brought real money! I just laughed about it!! Be smart and treat your costumers well so people would go back to your business read more

Garber Hardware - Rudeee people working there!!!! Only one of them is nice and only for that person the business is not dead!!! - Hardware Stores Near Me - New York, New York

This place seems so random, on a quiet street in the Village, but they always have whatever I need! I've purchased transformers, MR-16 light bulbs, snow melt, etc. Give them a call, they probably have it. read more

So, good things first. It's a family owned business and sadly thats a disappearing thing in the West Village. They have a huge selection--things you need and things you didn't even know you needed and it's 2 minutes from my home. I love the store in itself, but way to often the staff treat people badly. They act arrogant and entitled. I wonder if thats a requirement to be employed there because every single person who works there is borderline rude. God forbid they would crack a smile, they can barely squeeze out a thank you from their smug lips. If you ask them a question (not all of us are home improvement gurus) or look for a less expensive item they make you feel like you are being difficult, stupid and cheap... unless you are some local celebrity and then they are helpful little puppies. That is all. read more

When Garbers moved down the street from me after being on 8th Avenue for years I was thrilled. Prices are higher than Home Depot but it had a nice neighborhood vibe. Granted I am not a carpenter or DIY type of person but I stopped in there for something at least once a week. No more. I purchased a piece of glass that they cut to a custom size to replace the broken one in a frame that was knocked off the wall. The price was reasonable and it was perfect. So I thought I would take the broken piece and have it cut to fit another smaller framed piece of art that needed glass They wouldn't do it and said they only cut glass that they sell. I could have lied and said I bought it there but I didn't. It would have taken him all of 5 minutes and I would have paid whatever he wanted I won't be going there anymore unless I have no other choice. read more

Rude, awful people. Please don't dare step around from your counter to help me- you chatting to each other is a much better use of your time. I then go to try and find what I need myself. I ask if there is a smaller size of spacking paste (as I have 2 holes)- the response- no if you want it buy it, if you don't then don't- WOW thank you so much for telling me that, couldn't have worked that out myself. Rude, rude, rude!!!! read more

I've lived in the west village for 15yrs now, and stopped in many times for keys to be made, propane for my grill, hardware odds and ends to put art on the walls, etc. Last Sunday I needed a new elevator key, and found out they're two-sided so not available here. George's folks gave me a few suggestions on 7th avenue, and I got it taken care of on Monday. Today we got a fancy new sofa with some very specific bolts with odd allen wrench connectors, and 2 of them were faulty. My wife and I were pretty upset since we weren't going to able to use our couch if we had to wait for new custom hardware. I went to see George who looked over the faulty gear, asked how it worked, and then went to find some replacements that were bolts of similar diameter but with standard phillips head ends. He asked if they might stand in as a substitute, and if they'd fit around the sofa's underpinnings. Despite the lack of the "custom" bolts, George's suggestion worked perfectly, and now my family is resting comfortably on our new sofa, I'm very grateful... I'd recommend this place anytime you need basic hardware supplies, or advice for special needs in your home. read more

Great store, great staff. Solid paint selection. Plenty of great caulking, from your typical caulk to some solid silicones. A wide variety of power tools. And they helped me out with a replacement blade for a saw. Whatever price increase you find here, that's rendered moot by the staff stocking the place with sterling products that actually work and the quickness factor in getting what you need and going. That is: unlike The Home Depot the checkout lines don't resemble East German bread lines. read more

One of the few old school hardware stores left in the Village. They have ALMOST everything, and can be very nice depending on who you encounter! Prices are a bit higher than HD but they are local. read more

When I announced where I was moving to in the West Village, a (very handy) friend told me: you're going to be around the corner from the best hardware store in the city! and, she was right. garber's is the best. they've had every little thing i needed for my first year in new apt. staff is super knowledgeable and helpful. and i love that it's a family-owned business, with a great dog. read more

It's a small place but they have most anything and everything you need. Their service is great but they don't have the selection Home Depot does...then again, it's down the street from me so it gets 4 stars simply for that. FYI, they're out of plastic plant pots. Prices may not be the cheapest, but hey, nothing in the W. Village is. read more