You've lost a long term customer. I've gotten keys and random items here for 20+ years and at least once a week I point a tourist your way. But I was met with a completely unnecessary comment when I needed help the other day and it felt crappy enough that I will find somewhere else to copy my keys and get screens and random items moving forward. I had just gotten a skin cancer treatment on my face and I had to drive to run some errands. I realized I needed more protection than I had planned and felt like I was getting too much sun on my face so I stopped at CVS then the hat store looking for a face covering. The man at the gift shop down the street said Ace will probably have them and I was excited because i thought, 'they usually have everything you can think of' and I was hopeful. I popped in the door and the woman who asked what I needed felt the need to Covid shame me for asking for a face mask. I was trying to describe a face shield and she responded with, 'like the one's people were wearing during Covid' and I (was simply excited that that meant she knew what I was taking about) said, 'yes, exactly that. Like sunglasses for your whole face' she proceeds to roll her eyes and tell me that 'Covid is over that's not a thing anymore, you don't need it and really we never even needed masks' I was a little thrown off but was trying to ignore that this just turned into something totally unnecessary. I said, 'I need it for the sun protection' and she looked at me like I was making it up and said well we have regular masks if that's what you need but we haven't had any of that Covid stuff for a long time now' 'I never mentioned Covid, she brought it up and made it very awkward' I was just thrown off and felt embarrassed that we were talking about Covid when I was simply looking for a face shield. How I felt about Covid was none of her business and she certainly didn't need to make me feel like I just jumped back 6 years and was being shamed for wanting a mask. I hope you never have skin cancer and have to deal with it. If someone wants a mask for whatever reason there's no need to bring up Covid, there's a lot of other uses for masks. I just stood there stunned because I was so confused how the conversation got so awkward when I was looking for a face shield for my own health reasons. I would have asked for bandanas or other masks but the way she was looking at me I felt like I just needed to leave because I was in disbelief that this person was trying to make me feel ridiculous because in needed protection for my skin cancer. I'll take this down in a few days because I don't need to damage your business but I feel like someone should know how ridiculous this was. It's probably on video if you have cameras. It was between 1030-1115am on Friday. The woman has worked there for many years. It's fine to have your own opinion on things but don't make someone feel bad for whatever they need. It's a store. You usually have a great selection of shade hats and honestly I'm pretty sure I've seen these face shields with the hats in the recent past. I never asked for Covid masks and if you must know I agree it was a scam but I wore masks because at the time I was living with a family member who had cancer and I didn't want to get them sick with anything wether Covid was real or not. It just felt crappy on top of feeling crappy from the treatment I'd just gotten on my face. I'm sure I looked ridiculous with my big hat and scarf, I already felt ridiculous but protecting my skin is what mattered. Please be more compassionate, if you're a sales person it's none of your business why someone wants an item, I could have found something helpful in there but instead I immediately felt confused and unwelcome in a store I've spent a lot of $ in over the years. You never know what someone is going through. It's just so weird when people you deal with regularly and feel like you're all part of the community can make you feel like an outcast with an eye roll and unnecessary assumptions. Good luck with that kind of customer service! read more

Friendly staff, seemingly 10s of thousands of different items in stock, great app and website, knowledgeable help.

I have been coming here since I was a kid and feel like they can fix anything and have all the odds and ends you could need! When my daughter's knee scooter broke today I needed to fix it fast and within minutes they helped me find the part I needed and the gentleman there offered to fix it for me without me even asking. This kind of kindness and helpfulness is so needed in our world today and I was so very appreciative. I was having a stressful day and he really turned it around! They are truly a definition of an honest neighborhood store and I would recommend them to anyone that needs anything fixed or any hardware needs! Thanks a million! read more

Great selection and highly knowledgeable staff! They have so many items I am constantly surprised they carry! read more

Excellent customer service. A pleasure to browse through their hardware store. The finishing paint selections are thorough and well presented. read more

Meanley's has been going down hill since new owners took over. They have quit stocking items that I've been buying there for years. A great many empty slots for items they no longer carry - Trust Me read more

I found what I needed, but only after I had to find help. Then it took the associate forever to dig through bins of products that had been put in the wrong location. The woman at the front desk is as rude as rude can be, and extremely unpleasant. I'm not sure I even got a thank you from her as she was complaining to another customer about how slow it had been. Hmm... read more

Been here several times over the years and they always come to the rescue. Every worker is attentive and knowledgeable. No matter how stressful your project, this place has a way of easing the anxiety! I always look forward to popping by this hardware store! Shoutout to Jeremy who really came through and saved me so much time. read more

Meanley & Son Hardware - Just hanging out at the neighborhood hardware store! - Hardware Stores Near Me - La Jolla, California

Great service! I bought a shopping cart but was dismayed that I'd have to put it together (I'm in my 80s and not that steady). The lovely folks at Meanley & Son put it together for me! I didn't even ask--they just offered, and were so kind. Much appreciated! read more

As a long time resident of La Jolla I have always enjoyed going to this store. I recently went in to purchase something when I saw they had Pokemon cards behind the counter. I was very excited because my kids always ask for them and they are hard to find so I was going to be the hero that brought them home. That was until I realized they were marked up 300% from MSRP. This was very discouraging to see and made me second guess if all of the products there were over priced. Will be considering going elsewhere in the future. read more

I came here to get a new battery for my car key and was met with extreme rudeness by one of the workers and they broke my car key. Replacing my key would cost on the low end about $60 so I am extremely upset about this. I was looking at the batteries and googling which one I needed when a worker came over and asked how he could help. I said i'm just looking at the batteries and he grabbed my car key out of my hands without asking and started trying to pry it open. In the process he broke the part where my key closes. He handed it back to me to say which type of battery I needed and then walked away. I went to confront him and tried to be kind and say "I think you broke my car battery just so you know". I wasn't sure if anything could be done, but maybe an apology would have been nice. He did not respond to me and looked the other way. I'm sure this place is fine to run in and grab something but I just had a horrible experience and needed to share. read more

I have been shopping at Meanley & Son Ace Hardware for over 10 years. Every time I enter the store I am greeted by their friendly & helpful employees. It's surprising how many different items they have been able to fit into this store - they always seem to have what I need. Yesterday, an employee named Glen went above and beyond, and really went out of his way to help me with my project. Exceptional 5-star customer service! Thank you so much Glen, and Meanley & Son Ace Hardware! read more

The friendliest and most useful hardware store in La Jolla cove! We go there frequently for projects and their knowledge is amazing...they have everything - paints, screws/nuts, cleaning supplies, mason jars and holiday items. You can even set-up a business account and get some discount love! read more

Love this hardware store! It Carrie's ACE products, but family owned I guess. The workers are incredibly sweet, knowledgeable and truly love their jobs. If you need something, they have it! Super cute store, really odd seeing it in the middle of La Jolla but it fits right in. read more

Ace Hardware is to hardware what RadioShack used to be for electronics. It's not necessarily the place with the best selection or the best prices, but darn it if they don't have the best people. Everyone here, with very few exceptions, is extremely nice. Honestly, I think if Meanley and Son could somehow take their hiring strategy and bottle it, they would probably make an enormous killing in the recruiting field. Nevertheless, the people here are the highlight. I could name names: Billy, Drew, Brock, the list goes on. They're all always so nice and practically chase you down to help you. Not to mention the fact that they are much more convenient at Home Depot for me, and if you use your ace rewards, you often get better prices than the big box stores. Cannot recommend him highly enough. 100 stars if I could. read more

This is a fabulous hardware store! Huge selection, amazing customer service, family owned and operated AND located in beautiful downtown La Jolla. read more

Top notch Hardware store. Most anything you need. Fabulous selection. Great staff that is always helpful. Great location. Thank you. read more

I stopped in this Ace Hardware after breakfast to see if I could find some thing to fix a loose tile. Having no idea what to use to make it stick appropriately, I was hoping for some good advice. I initially browsed the aisle for a few minute to see if I could get lucky and find something on my own, but luckily a lady working in the back, came over and asked if I needed help. After I told her what I needed, she went further to the back to retrieve a gentlemen who knew exactly what I needed. (http://www.yelp.com/biz_photos/meanley-and-son-ace-hardware-la-jolla-3?select=yzwk73UGg5ewWJUiCqNaKA#NKy8FsxAHer9DqpTt92z7A) Apparently I needed Premium Silicone Glue. At five bucks, I do not know if it was a good price or not, but I needed it so I bought it. This location is stocked to the max, and they maximize their space, because the aisle are cramped, close together, and stacked high. I would not want to be in this store during a major earthquake. Nice hardware store, friendly service, and descent prices. read more

Meanley & Son Hardware - Hardware Stores Near Me - La Jolla, California

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I have had the same terrible experience as the others with 1 star reviews, when it comes to POC in this particular Ace hardware. Each time I or my adult child have been in the store, They become very threatening and we can not "shop in peace". However, many other customers who aren't a POC can leisurely shop around and not be hassled by their employees. Recently I went in to purchase paint for a project that I was working on but decided to NOT PURCHASE, they still charged my card. The next day I went to let them know they indeed charged me for items I didn't purchase and I left their business empty handed, they assured it wasn't a charge. I allowed 3 days to pass as it was the weekend and kindly brought to their attention once again, they charged me for the items I didn't purchase and I left the store empty handed. They were rude, neglectful, projected and behaved extremely presumptuously towards me as I showed evidence of that charge. They quickly took my device out of my hand, then assumed I lacked the intellect of knowing how a charge is made on a bank account, how retail and the banking system worked. I know exactly how retail and the banking system works as I've been a business owner for the past 35 years. I simply want a refund. I never purchased any items in the store but my card is charged and NO ONE wants to help resolve the issue nor apologize for their mistake in charging me? They refuse to take the time to look up the transaction, then projected that I was the impatient one. I am highly perturbed, disgusted and disappointed with their behavior towards my family and I in our own town. It's ridiculous to be treated this way. My attorneys will be in touch. read more

Pretty rude customer service I went and bought a few things while working at La Jolla and the customer service was pretty bad never been to an ace hardware that ran itself like this, talked to the manager and got some u professional attitude. I know it's La Jolla but everyone is acting all uppity and higher than you, they don't seem to give the same attitude towards white people maybe it's just me but I'm Never going there again read more

My partner and I waddled over here after an early breakfast looking for some beach wares. We came to La Jolla unprepared (read no beach towels, chairs, hats, umbrellas, sunscreen etc.) due to thinking we wouldn't have time to hit the beach before going to a friend's wedding. When plans changed, we had popped into Von's and CVS looking for some items but had no luck, and saw this ACE was the only other place open at the time and decided to give it a try. When we walked in we were immediately greeted like family and explained our predicament, aka our complete lack of planning. The employees were super eager to help but let us know up front that they might not be the answer. They pointed out some items to us but also gave us a list of other places that might be better equipped to serve us, even mentioning that some of their products would be a little higher priced due to them primarily being a hardware store which was refreshing and endearing. While we didn't find what exactly we needed, my partner did end up scoring a fun beach hat for a STEAL of a price that he didn't take off for the rest of the day. The service here truly left a smile on our face and we referenced how sweet, kind, and helpful everyone was multiple times during the remainder of our trip. What a gem of a place! read more

I'm slowly fixing up a La Jolla beach cottage I purchased a decade ago and had been exclusively shopping at the big-box orange store, when I decided to support a local business. My first trip there was great. I was amazed at how they managed to squeeze so many different items in such a small space and purchased more than $250 worth of merchandise. I then vowed to become a regular customer. On my second trip there, however, I was treated to perhaps the worst and most demeaning customer experience of my life. I was wearing "business casual" work attire and look my age (nearing retirement). As I walked in, I asked where I would find the item I was seeking (a small item, a kit for connecting a laundry appliance, that only a homeowner would likely be purchasing--not that it really matters). The woman working at the front counter, older than myself, told me that I would need to be chaperoned. I said that I don't mind browsing until I find it, since it really would be a fun store to look around. She told me that I had to wait. She said, "that's the way we do it here." So, I waited about five minutes, during which time, several other customers entered and walked around the store, browsing, unescorted, with no questions asked. My chaperone (a male clerk) showed up, and I was escorted to the middle of the store. I found the item I wanted and picked it up. My escort took it from my hands and told me that he would bring it to the register, where I should meet him. He then put down the box I had selected and replaced it with a different box containing the same items from the shelf. The one he replaced it with had been previously opened, was torn, and was taped shut; it obviously had been returned. I politely explained to him that I would prefer to have a brand new, non-returned item, especially since this is something that becomes soiled immediately upon use. He told me I had to buy the unit that had been previously returned. So, I then went to the counter at the front to complete the purchase. Since the item had been previously returned, I asked the woman working the front counter if she would open up the box, so that I could check that it contained all the parts and was in new (or like new) condition. She refused. As I turned to walk out, she grumpily said that she would open it up for inspection. The contents were indeed different than what was pictured on the outside of the box. She told me that it contained what was expected. I patiently pointed out the items that were missing and/or different. She grudgingly had the second clerk retrieve a new box. As I was completing the purchase, she began to cough loudly, in a rhonchus tone, seemingly productive of sputum. I work in health care and have a rheumatic disorder that leads to immunocompromise, so put on a mask I carried in my blazer. She then protested, "I'm not contagious!" (For what it's worth, and having worked professionally in health care for 40+ years, I was reluctant to take her word for it.) After I left the store, I waited for a few minutes outside to see if any additional customers were treated this way. From what I could tell, none were requested to wait for a chaperone and could explore the store at their leisure. I am not sure why I was singled out. For what it's worth, I am of a certain ancestry that up until the 1970's had faced unofficial discrimination in La Jolla, to the extent that real estate agents refused to deal with people from my background. (Jonas Salk, who created the polio vaccine and established his eponymous biomedical research institute up on the mesa, was another member of my tribe.) I cannot say whether this contributed to my treatment or not. Never again, Meanley & Son. It is clear you do not want me as a customer, and the big-box orange store (proudly founded by members of my tribe) still has plenty going for it. read more

The service here is always impeccable! I've lived in the village for about 10 years and I come here for everything small and big and the employees always go above and beyond to be helpful! Kathy gave me a hug and made a special card for my daughter after I lost my mom; Chris helped me make sure I could get all my shelving hung with the right parts and amazing instructions in time to surprise my partner. Chris also helped me with a painting project on his day off when I happened to run into him at the store.....I could go on and on......just an exceptional experience with the most helpful people in the village!! read more

The employees here are quite possibly the most helpful, knowledgeable, friendly people anywhere! This store is a gem in La Jolla and they have basically everything plus a little extra that you'd ever want from a hardware store. Support local. This store is fantastic! read more

Pleasant's in Richmond? Brown's in Falls Church? Frager's on Capitol Hill? Stand aside, lads. A new standard has been set. Meanley's has an amazing selection in a tiny location. I found the particular bolt there that got lost in the move and which Home Depot didn't have. If Meanley's doesn't have it, you don't need it. What sets Meanley's apart is the service. The clerks per square foot of store is the highest I have ever seen at any hardware store anywhere. Hardware is one thing, but advice on how to repair or install stuff in your home is priceless. Check this out: on Monday one clerk was mixing paint for me while two others were finding just the right wall anchors I needed for another project. I've only been here three weeks and I am already a loyal Meanley Meanie. read more

Stopped in on Black Friday for some deals, but unfortunately, they only had one of the items that was on my list. They didn't run out of the items, they just didn't stock them; one of the items wasn't stocked because it got bad reviews. (I was the first person at the store at 7AM, so I know it wasn't because they ran out.) The staff was very friendly though and helped me find the item that I needed quickly and I was on my way to do the rest of my Black Friday shopping. I've been to this Ace a few times before and have always been in and out quickly and found what I needed. read more

This hardware store is the best. They have everything and the owners are a cute little couple .

This is where the locals go to get their home improvement on! I am grateful for the staff here. They are always so helpful.

They carry excellent selections for regular households and superb service which is the character we value. Always someone there to greet you and help is easily accessible! read more

just hurried into Meanley Ace hardware in La Jolla they are usually wonderful but today was special a delightful gentleman named Terry helped me with plungers etc for a plugged up toilet he was so calm and clear regarding my choices Terry asked me question which i could understand and for the most part answer he kept it simple enough for me to understand and made some great suggestions the choices which he helped me with worked perfectly THANK YOU Terry and Meanley & Son Ace Hardware in la Jolla!!!! the items worked like a charm read more

Thank you for keeping your essential store open during the CoronaVirus. And, THANK YOU, everyone, including the cashiers, for being professional, courteous, kind, and helpful in assisting us to find the right color of paint, hardware, etc. And, a $5.00 coupon for each month in your calendar, does help, too. P.S: We miss having your popcorn! read more

This is by far the very best and most important store in La Jolla - for me anyway. Their selection is phenomenal considering the size of the store. All well organized and the best staff you can imagine. I would give them 10 stars if they were available. read more

The folks there are always very helpful--even with my weird esoteric projects. I love the loose nuts bolts and hardware!

WAY WAY WAY OVERPRICED!!!!!!! These guys give bad advice then charge you stupid prices for small parts. Had to go back 3 times to get the right parts. Had the old plumbing parts. Still could not get to fit. Every time we had to purchase more parts to get it right. Ripping people off is their specialty. I know it's La Jolla but come on. read more

I went into Ace a little over a week ago and was helped by an older gentleman named Terry. He was very helpful, knowledgeable and clear when I had a plumbing question. I was able to complete the project without issue. read more

I'll keep giving 5 stars, because this place deserves it. It's not necessarily that they have the lowest prices. We come here because it's local. It has popcorn, and honestly the best group of employees I've seen working in one store. Always pleasant, always people who are knowledgable and can immediately help you out. read more

I was worried about a project my wife and I had a road block on, then I talked to the nicest manager. I got the help I needed. It had nothing to do with an upsell. It never does here at Meanley; but they have EVERYTHING! I recommend this place daily. I hope it's in town another fifty plus years. read more

The Best Ace! Kathy and her staff are all amazing they always go above and beyond for customers.

Ace Hardware has a reputation for friendly, helpful service, and Meanly's is its poster child. I have been visiting them for over 10 years, and have yet to be disappointed. If I am coming in for a specific item, they help locate it for me; if I'm not sure what a need for a particular problem, they know and will walk me through it. They are never rushed, and are always available to assist. The 'big box' hardware stores may have the inventory, but it is impossible to find a knowledgeable person who can actually help. Ace Hardware wins every time on customer service! read more

I have been coming to this hardware store for 10 years and I have received exceptional service in the past. But I walked in to pick up some items for kitchen remodel and the many of the employees that I saw were not wearing their masks properly. I saw four of them with their masks on their chins as they restocked the shelves. As I stood by waiting for service they pretended to pull their masks up for me but pulled them back down as soon as I walked away. One of the female associates I spoke to said and I quote "the news media is blowing this virus out of proportion". It's clear to me that the employees here are not taking CDC guidelines seriously and therefore do not care about the health of their customers. Wearing a mask is not a political statement, it's required by the state for open businesses. If the employees here cannot follow the CDC guidelines then this store should be shut down. I am in the middle of remodeling my kitchen but I will not be coming back here anytime during the pandemic. Truly disgusted by the lack of concern for safety of your customers. read more