Came in for a shovel and salt that day before the storm. Got the shovel, but the guy there was helpful about when they'd restock on salt that day. he let me warm my gloves on the radiator. Nice store. read more

They probably have what you need and they can help you with what you want to do when you're not sure.

This Lowe's can never completed a simple key order! I should have walked away when the man couldn't figure out the key machine. I was respectful and followed the man whom swore by the other machine. He had possession of my key when he walked away from the store machine. I repeatedly asked him to slow down as I'm recovering from an Achilles repair. By the time I made it to the machine he said just put your credit card in. I said I wasn't sure I wanted the keys from the machine. he proceeded to say oh the give a key for free when you buy one. It literally was too late as Apple tap ran my card. Thru out the process the man repeated Lowes will give you money back of keys didn't work! Upon my return, employee wasn't the kindest. rather of the rude side. When I explained what happened she should have called on the manager to investigate why Lowe's employee assigned to key department could not apply how training to the process of making my key. I am a Lowe's Pro Business member and plan to be looking in Home Depot's business portion. I can not believe how they disregard what customers are saying about employee without asking for more details. Some empathy should be applied during all social interactions. Employees at all levels should never be as disgusting to an employee as they had been. Negative comments came from other department employees as they eaves dropped on my personal conversation. read more

I went into this store having trouble hanging pictures in my apartment. They were so patient and helped me find a solution that worked!

I visited with one item already in mind. A fellow greeted me almost immediately as I walked in and knew exactly what I was looking for. I was in and out in less than 2 minutes. Item was reasonably priced. Highly recommend. read more

This is a tiny hardware store crammed full of stuff. I've only come in here for some gardening things, carabiners, and copies of keys but had a great experience every time. Staff have always been super friendly but I can't speak to their return policy. It's cash only if your total is less than $10. Prices are fair. It's a small business that I'm happy to support and I'm lucky to live close by. Parking isn't the best so bike or walk if you can. read more

Have been a customer for almost 20 years and today they lost my business. They sold me the wrong screws for something and would barely return them. When I asked if they'd help me find the right screw, the owner said he wasn't interested in helping. I liked supporting a local business, but they lost this guy over a couple dollars. read more

The Monarch Hardware people have been very good to me. They have solved many lock problems, replaced broken glass in window frames. Mixed custom paints, cut window shades and even installed them on occasion. I have scored bristle brushes and ant rust coatings. read more

I live a block away and have been going to this hardware store for 11 years. I'll never shop there again. I locked myself out of my house this morning (no keys, no phone, no ID, no cash or credit cards), and when I spoke with the locksmith service here about drilling the lock and buying a new one, the man I spoke with was both rude and unhelpful. I understand that a locksmith needs to see ID before drilling a lock, but I also understand that in unusual circumstances, a little flexibility might be required, especially for a customer who had been shopping at the store regularly for over a decade (Ex. Do you have a neighbor who will vouch for you? Can you show me your ID as soon as you're in the house or I'm calling the cops? Can I call someone for you? Would you like to wait in the store? Etc.). No effort--none--was made to sympathize or be creative in helping me solve this problem. If you want the benefits of being a Mom 'N Pop store (my spending the past decade buying from you instead of just ordering things off Amazon or going to the Lowe's off Lancaster), then you can't treat your long-time, hyper-local customers like shit. How dumb do you have to be to not realize that? read more

I love everything about this little hardware store... with the exception of the store being closed on Sundays and closing before I get home from work on weekdays. Every employee I interact with doesn't just say hi- they ask if I need help finding anything then they always walk me right over to the item I need. The variety in this tiny store is great, and they always have what I need for a reasonable price. After moving into a new apartment, they've been my go to stop for home improvement and organizational needs. Definitely come here! read more

Nope, never again. Buy online if you don't drive or if you do drive make the trip to home depot in South Philly. I bought a toilet supply line that didn't fit yesterday and had to return it today. All of a sudden they don't remember I was there yesterday. Brought my receipt, they kept badgering me about why the supply line was fine blah blah. THEN they said they couldn't accept the supply line back! I was shocked. After arguing back and forth they ended up giving me a partial refund and put the supply line back in the pile WITH ALL OF THE OTHER NEW ONES! 1. Cash only if your purchase is less than $10 2. Small selection, you can only get something if one if the workers gets it for you. So you end up having to wait. 3. 15% charge of the item's original cost when you return something Absolute crooks. I will never go there again. read more

They are a little gruff around the edges (to say the least) and I'm certain the things in the store are a bit overpriced compared to a big box store but Monarch has almost always had the things I've needed and has provided expertise when needed as well. If I ever had a big project I may not shop there but it is good for the little things. They are also really excellent at recommending a handyman if you need one. read more

I am a little biased as I worked as a Realtor in the neighborhood and have had thousands of keys cut at Monarch. I know Alan (Dad) Dave (son) Aries and Dink (locksmiths) and Tommy (worked there forever) Monarch is a little hardware store that has a lot of stuff for such a small place. It has been there for almost 100 years. I am VERY particular about where I get my keys cut and I only use Monarch. I used West Philly locksmith once and had a bad experience - 1/2 the keys I cut were cut poorly. Of the thousands of keys I have made there only a couple didn't work and I brought them back and they recut them and they worked fine. Also most keys are about a dollar which is a fraction of what other locksmiths charge. I have also used them to buy various other tools and materials. They of course are a little more expensive then the big box stores. But their customer service is WAY better. You don't spend an hour trying to find what you are looking for or looking for someone to help you. They are also awesome Philly Sports fans. Super knowledgeable. Just all around really great guys. read more

Okay. So this dude in here can make a key at the speed of light. Almost like that dude in the Matrix. I had to get a couple keys made. Homeboy had them fabricated in a snap. I'd imagine his house is filled with keys from all over. The owner and his son are cool dudes. Always very helpful and willing to chat. They have all the essentials that can save you from a Home Depot trip right there in the neighborhood. Quality products too. read more

I just wanted to let you know the epic battle to get spare keys has finally come to an end. I went to not 1, not 2, not 3, but 4 DIFFERENT PLACES TO FINALLY GET KEYS THAT WORK IN MY FRONT DOOR. I asked the guy at monarch why he knew his keys would work and why the others don't. Well, I found out that on all keys is a little letter and a little number. This is what says what kind of key is what you have. I have SC9 keys. And the other 3 places kept copying me SC 4 keys which is why they never even fit in the door. I CAN'T BELIEVE THAT 3 PEOPLE WHO MAKE A LIVING COPYING KEYS DIDN'T KNOW THIS AND FUCKED UP EVERY TIME. Thank you Monarch True Value for know a simple yet somehow esoteric fact about making keys. -- Micah Messinger read more

This is a local mom and pop type of operation. It's a small store, but they pack in a lot of stuff. They also often competitive prices. Just about every time I have gone to Monarch, I'm asked within seconds if I need help. And, they are always able to help me with what I need. In addition to hardware goods, they have also helped change the looks in my home and replace glass in a window. They do offer to install the windows as well. However, when I inquired, they straight up told me I could save a chunk of money by bringing it in myself, since coming out and doing the work would cost significantly more. Most places don't position you to pay less and, in turn, make less from the deal. But Monarch is about as honest as they get. They really have their customers interest in mind. I'm a fan of putting money in the pockets of honest hardworking business owners, much more so than the Walmarts of the world. Check this place out if it's near you and you have any hardware needs. They surely will take good care of you. read more

Definitely convenient if you live in West Philly, but not necessarily somewhere I'd go out of my way to visit. Prices are a little high, hours aren't accommodating to someone with a M-F day job, and its main draw seems to be that it's the only option in the neighborhood. Basically, if you need something small on a weekday and don't mind paying a couple extra dollars to avoid leaving the immediate vicinity, they're a go. Otherwise, hit up somewhere else. read more

When in West Philadelphia this is the place to go. If you live in the neighborhood, you don't have to go to Loews or Home Depot down on Columbus Boulevard, you can go around the corner. They have everything, well probably nearly everything. In operation since 1929, this business has its original floor to ceiling shelves and oak drawers packed with all sorts of fun things. This is the sort of place you go to when you need a certain type of florescent bulb and that particular bulb is no longer manufactured. On a related note, I wanted a flat head screw for my bathroom doorknob escutcheon. Following my request, the owner goes into the back storage area and brings back a little cardboard box full of the screws that had to date back to the FDR administration, if not when the store opened. They fit my door perfectly. The one drawback is that this store is not open on Sundays (a chronic Philadelphia problem in a city still dealing with the legacy of Blue Laws) and closes on the early side in the evenings in general. Hours like these are perfect for general contractors but somewhat inconvenient for neighborhood residents with day jobs. The fact that West Philadelphia Locksmith is also closed on Sundays could draw business from anyone needing a key cut. I should probably also mention that the staff is very helpful, especially when I was purchasing caulking materials, paint, potting soil and dealing with minor plumbing issues (installing a "j-bend" pipe under bathroom sink and a new shower head). read more

They made my keys cheaply and well! And the staff is friendly. It's awesome to have a local hardware store with knowledgable staff. Also I have bought some affordable vegetable seeds and pots here. So what if I never planted the seeds in the pots! At least they make great containers for kitchen utensils now. read more

I moved to Garden Court in late August and was thrilled to find a local hardware store in my new neighborhood. I don't drive and wasn't looking forward to taking a car service out to Home Depot. Everything I needed to paint my apartment was at Monarch--I could walk there and back plus I got expert advice and friendly service from the owners. I'm still going back for supplies and would recommend this store to anyone in the area. Shop local! read more

This is a little neighborhood hardware store...the only one anywhere near me in West Philly. It's a tiny shop, but crammed in here is tons and tons of stuff, very well-organized. I've always found everything I set out to buy when I came here, and then, some other things that I needed but had forgotten I needed. The staff is friendly and helpful. Prices are very reasonable. I'm very glad this store is here and I would encourage others to visit it first instead of taking a trek out to one of those bigger corporate stores. You'll probably find everything you need here, and save yourself a lot of time and headache. =) read more

I went to Monarch to get supplies I needed for a project a while ago and was greeted with extraordinary service. Al, an older man with white hair was extremely friendly and helpful even though I was in the store close to closing time (instead of trying to hustle me out!). For neighborhood stores like this, the prices might not be as great as a massive store, but they more than make up for it in service. read more

Fast and friendly Locksmith. I called a few place and their prices were the most reasonable and they seemed friendly. The locksmith showed up on time, was indeed friendly( who wants a creepy locksmith?!) . he changed the locks, made new keys all on the spot. he was fast and efficient. read more

Other than being an amazing hardware store, the folks at Monarch helped me when my toilet pipes exploded and my landlord was nowhere to be found on a holiday weekend. I DIY'd the whole thing with their help and advice. I wouldn't call for help, I would go in person. read more

This hardware store is great! The owner is friendly, helpful and knowledgable. While they don't have the same kind of warehouse scale of supplies as home depot, they have a skilled staff who actually enjoy what they do and can help you solve your design problems. These guys are great. read more

I love this store. The people working there are very nice and incredibly helpful. They have a great selection of products, reasonably priced. The staff is extremely knowledgable and gave me great advice for the project I was working on. They had no problem spending a good amount of time with me to help me out on various aspect of the project. They were able to answer all my questions. I go there all the time now. Once, I bought a wood stain and tried it at home. I ended up changing my mind about it (I wanted a slightly different color) and I had no problem returning it. The product I chose instead was actually a bit more expensive and they didn't even make me pay the difference. Amazing service!! Great store! read more

They unlocked my heart, and now I'm finally able to love again. I also bought a wrench so that I can throw it at my big toe so I can go out on disability read more

This store has it all, and if you don't see it ask for it, if they don't have it in stock they will try to order it in for you. I'm in there all of the time and never had a bad experience. these guys sell you what you need and know the product very well. One time i was purchasing paint and had a roller, paint brush and a tray it cost about 18$, the sales person said why don't you get the kit that has everything for 13 bucks? i thought to myself why would he suggest that? Than i asked him and he said just trying to save you some money there is no need to buy that stuff when we have the kit. You can't get that service at the orange box. trust me i know. I love this store and recommend if you are in the area and need help on a project these guys know there stuff. read more

The owner was incredibly rude. I try to support local places but this place will for sure have me take the trip to Home Depot. There were two gentlemen there that were extremely helpful and totally helped me get what I needed! The owner however was rude and far from helpful read more

I've had much different experiences here than other reviewers. One time I was incessantly followed around the store like I was going to steal something after I explained I knew what I was looking for and where to find it. Another time I explained what I needed and they insisted on hand picking it for me from the shelf. I got home, and of course it was not the part I needed. And they never gave me a receipt. I brought it back and they refused to exchange it or refund it, even though it'd only been a day since I was in there. That was the last straw. I'm not a fan of big box stores, but I really don't tolerate crappy rip off shops either. read more

guys are great in here, very friendly and gave me some tips on a project I was doing. definitely wouldn't get that service at Lowe's or home Depot. read more

I had the same experience Paul. The owner treats his customers like thieves. I bought some merchandise that turned out to be defective. I went to return it THE NEXT DAY and the owner accused me of breaking it and refused to take the return. I insisted that he was being ridiculous and he refunded the money. I looked at the credit card receipt when I got home, and he had taken out a 5% restocking fee without telling me! Unfortunately he's the only game in town in University City, but it's worth it to go into center city if you want a reasonable level of customer service. read more

1) Went there to duplicate a key. It didn't work. I went back and they made a new one (without making me pay, at least), but it didn't work. Went back a second time but it didn't work that time either. I will go somewhere else to finally have my key. 2) Bought a set of hex keys (they came in a closed package). I realized I didn't need it anymore and I asked to return it (the package was unopened). They said that tools cannot be returned for any reason, even if the box is unopened. 3) They have a minimum of $10 for using a credit card, the nearest ATM charges a 3$ fee. 4) The staff is very friendly and helpful if you are buying something, but extremely rude if you have a problem or ask for a return. Even if the location is convenient, I will not go to this store ever again. Good luck if you choose to have a key made by them, hopefully it will work. read more

Usually an OK experience, but today the keymaker was rude and ignorant (I think he said his name was Hairy-Ass Gonzalez). Anyway, I was in a long line for keys, today being the start of a new month, I guess. I received a business cell call and ended it just as I was being waited on. I asked for a brass-color for one of the keys. Hairy-Ass took the keys out of the machine and handed them back to me saying they did not have brass. I had to humbly ask that he please make the keys anyway, and I was told "you are in the wrong" and "you have a bad attitude". When I asked to see the ($22) receipt, Hairy-Ass waited on the next customer while I stood waiting the entire time. Later, when I complained to the manager, Hairy-Ass said it was because I was on the phone. Convenient for him, but it was the first he mentioned it, and I was not. I do so hope Lowes puts these @ssh0les out of business! read more

I've been going here for a couple months now, my business is set up in west philly and all the times i've gone there they have been ok. i've gone a few times myself and i've sent my employees there. today i needed some help figuring out what tool i needed for a specific screw for my van's side mirror. first the guy says to me "what do you need.", seriously what about "hi, what can i help you with?" but whatever, not the biggest deal. i tell him my situation and how i parked my van a block away because i couldnt find parking right in front the store which has no parking in front. but i get it, they cant just walk away from the store. he said all it would is a minute to figure out what i needed. i search for about 10 - 15mins driving around looking for parking. i go back to the store, the first guy who was helping me ignores me. i go to another guy, i explain the situation and he says to me "sorry, i am too busy. there's too many customers here" i literally parked my van on the corner, i moved my van, i tried to explain that it was parked right outside as someone else told me to do since it would only take a minute to figure it out. and i get "there's too many customers here", and i am not a customer? how about respond with "i am sorry, right now there's a lot of customers here and i cant get to you right now, could you wait a little bit?" which i would have been fine with. but nope, none of that. i left, drove over the pep boys, the woman there gladly helped me for 20mins and we figured out what i needed. forget this store, terrible customer service. go somewhere else. read more

Great local West Philly hardware store for all my needs. Usually my hardware shopping is "urgent" in that a job can't get finished without a particular tool or piece of hardware. Although I think I'll make a quick visit, I can't resist buying little gadgets or rolls of tape, "just in case." Good prices and services. I highly recommend the store. read more

No frills, no fuss, just stuff to nail/glue/paint to other stuff. Service ranges from fair to decent to great. Be prepared for lots of dust. $10+ to use a credit card. Not open on Sundays. read more

I went in this morning to buy a toilet flapper, a shovel and a few other miscellaneous supplies. The staff at this local store is fantastic and they are so helpful and knowledgeable. They provided me more cost-effective options even though they could have sold me higher-priced goods, and when I accidentally purchased the wrong flapper, I came back and they happily exchanged it even though I opened the packaging. They are very sweet and understanding and they deserve more than five stars and I would shop here over the big chain stores any given day. I'll definitely be back!!! read more

After getting locked out the previous night and having some random locksmith come by and drill the lock, but still fail to get us into my apartment. I called Monarch and not only was the locksmith at our apartment in ten minutes but he got us into our apartment in two minutes and completely replaced the lock in another 15. Our first lock smith: 4 years experience, 2 hours of work, no entry. $140 to open the lock. Monarch: 35 years experience, less than half an hour of work, brand new lubricated locks! $130 to open and replace! Super fast, friendly and knowledgeable, I can't recommend their locksmithing services highly enough! The store is great too! read more

Last week the gray-haired old man treated me so badly I decided never to return to the store. It is either the gray-haired old man when he is in one of his moods or the dark-skinned guy with rings around his face. I believe that because they are the only hardware store in the area, they can get away with it. Bad attitude! read more