I have always found hardware stores fascinating. Perhaps because you can walk into them and ask for something completely obscure wearing a smug grin, certain that they won't have it. Then, Dave the owner (these guys are always called Dave. Even the Polish guy in my local tool shop is called Dave) will go directly to a shelf, as if he possesses some kind of DIY satellite navigation system and produce what you are looking for. This is just so alien in a world where customer service is almost non-existent and most other shop assistants do not even attempt to apologise when the object of your desire is sold out and you won't even be able to get it online. "You can always try Ebay though." Frustrating!!
Homecrafts is not just any run of the mill hardware store though. Yes it has the obligatory nails and paintbrushes, chisels and hammers,( and the bloke who works there may even be called Dave) but what I want to draw my Yelpers attention to is the excellent framing service that it operates. Recently I had a professional photo-shoot of the little ones and the picture that I had enlarged was an enormous and irregular size. I looked long and hard for a suitable frame but I had to admit defeat and commence my quest for a bespoke framing service. These are few and far between in Manchester so I checked out the net and they were perfect but expensive.
A chance encounter when I needed some picture hooks led me into Homecrafts of Davyhulme and I was astonished to see that it sold a range of frames that can be custom made for you. There was a good choice of frames and mounts and my frame was ready and waiting for me to collect within 5 days. The best part was the price; the total cost was £55 and the only other quote which had come even close to this was £135. Total bargain and quick friendly service. I wouldn't even consider going anywhere else now. read more