OBI was the first hardware store I hit here in Hamburg, and I was not disappointed. They've got a…read moreton of general DIY stuff, and a surprisingly large warehouse area of more bulk/contractor pieces. It's pretty centrally located, which is also a huge plus.
I haven't had a great experience with service here, but have only tried for it once. My wife was waiting around at one of the service desks waiting to ask where we could find... something, I forget what. After about fifteen minutes I had already found whatever it was and she was still just standing around waiting. Plus side, I found what I needed, but we probably could have saved some time if someone had been around. Granted, then they would have had to deal with my broken (non-existent?) German, so maybe it wouldn't have been a time-saver at all.
It's definitely my first hardware stop now, whether it's for a new Dremel bit, some wood shims, or paint.
