I want to start by saying that I have been a customer of this location, ACE Hardware, for 18 years…read moreand have had a great relationship with all the staff. However, over the past five years or so, there have been many changes, including all new employees, while the only familiar face is the one in the screws and nails section, who, like his former colleagues, genuinely helps customers. At one point, I thought the owner had sold the store, but that turned out not to be the case.
With the new employees, whenever a customer walks in, they ask, "Can I help you?" but seem to hope for a "no" response. When you answer "yes," they usually don't provide helpful answers.
Today, March 19, 2025, around 10:00 a.m., I went in to buy a tube of clear silicone for a job I was finishing. After applying the silicone, I noticed it was white instead of clear. I thought it would become clear once it dried, but four hours later, it was still white. So, I decided to return to the store and exchange it.
Upon entering the store's paint section, an employee asked me, "Can I help you?" I said yes and explained the issue. Unfortunately, another employee who was on the phone responded rudely, saying, "You have to wait 24 hours." I explained to the ACE employee who was "working" with me that the 24-hour period was for curing, while four hours was drying--the appropriate time to change color to clear it that is so. He then told me to speak to the manager.
When I explained the situation to the manager, the rude employee intervened again, which escalated the tension. I simply wanted to exchange a $9 product for a real clear one; it should have been a straightforward request. After raising my voice out of frustration (without using any profanity), the manager told me to "take your money and get out of my store." I replied, "Thank you!! What a great favor you're doing me since I'll never step into this ACE again."
In summary, I believe in supporting local businesses, but from now I will purchase ACE products through Amazon. I'll go to Home Depot or Lowe's if I need something quickly.