Helpful Staff, Great Garden Section & Well-Stocked Store Shafer's Ace Hardware is a reliable go-to in Eureka for tools, hardware, and household items. The store is well-organized, and I was able to find what I needed quickly. The staff is friendly and ready to help, offering good advice on products and how to use them. There's a nice garden section out back with a good selection of plants and supplies. You can find some good deals when items are on sale, but most everyday prices tend to be higher than the competition. Still, the convenience, knowledgeable service, and variety make it worth stopping in, especially when you need something right away. read more

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I love Ace and have been on the rewards program for 6ish months. I went in last Sunday, and Instead of the friendly service I always receive, I was rung up by a rude old woman with the name tag "Cathy". I get some people can't control their facial expressions, and that's life, but this was beyond that. Exasperated sighs, short and curt when answering my questions. Felt like I was the biggest inconvenience to her. I'll make sure to go to the other register next time! She shouldn't be working with customers. read more

So let me first say this was by far my favorite hardware store in EUREKA. Now last week I bought a roll of black gorilla tape . I put it in my truck drove down to Lakeport for a week of work like I do every other week. When I got to the job, I opened up the gorilla tape started to peel it off the roll and it was coming apart wrong. It was leaving a woven silver un sticky layer almost 15 to 20 feet was like this so I put it away and use the last bit of what I had from a previous role. I took it back into Schaeffer to talk to them to see what we could do. I asked if it was in my history from my ace rewards number and things got very awkward. I was told they couldn't return it because they didn't have the SKU for it so I went and picked up a new roll from their shelf and asked just so they didn't think I was lying to look up my purchase. It was my very last purchase from Schaeffer to which I do spend some money there. But obviously not enough for them to care. Anyhow, the young girls couldn't do anything and I understand. I really wish I would've gotten his name, but I was a little angry and trying to keep cool but it's the short guy with the dark hair and the dark mustache who tried lecturing me and telling me I was wrong that the tape was fine and that he would in no way return it because he could not resell it and why should he eat it? from his instructions, he told me I should've stopped using it immediately kept the original packaging on it and brought it in with my receipt. I did not expect a $14 roll of gorilla tape to be defective. This has never happened before and I did what any normal person who's on the job down in the heat trying to get through his day so after I realized this guy is not gonna budge and I'm gonna have to eat the $14 worth of defective tape. The last thing I told him was you know this is my favorite store. And his response to me was try Pearson's and I told him I will actually I'll probably just shop at Home Depot while I'm down in Mendocino County. read more

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Boy, you would think after so many years of people complaining about the bad service here they would get their act together. NOPE. The people that work here are SO rude and unfriendly. They all seem like they hate their jobs and so they take it out on the customer. I go out of my way to avoid this location and drive to the other location down by Safeway for Way better service. Read the room Ace hardware Henderson center! Hire some people that are not total a__h__les read more

We just had Shafer's Stove Shop replace our wood stove pipe and we're very happy with the results. The two young men were efficient, polite and thoroughly cleaned up after themselves. Couldn't be happier. read more

I went in today looking for a wrench. I had no idea they were so pricey. I only needed to tighten One Bolt . The manager told me-" you'll use it again... " when I resisted paying 300 dollars [14.99] for a small wrench. It was cute, but still, no way. And! I've never used one up til now, so I don't see it becoming a necessity. He brang me over to the welfare hardware. He found a beauty, with a red handle, and charged me next to nothin! A gentleman and a scholar. Thank you Chris! read more

Shafers Ace Hardware - The bolt I needed to tighten, which I did! It stopped wobbling around! Ahhhh.... - Hardware Stores Near Me - Eureka, California

Schaffer always gives top-notch customer service! I bought two barbecues from them and they go above and beyond customer service

I had a great couple of visits to Shafers when we were painting the inside of the house. The employees were super helpful and answered all my questions. I'm surprised to see all the negative reviews. I appreciate this store and the people who work there. read more

Been going here for years. For years I ignored poor service, rudeness, and blatant flippancy in exchange for a hardware store that's a few blocks closer than the other. Well, the other has won out this "closest thing to a hardware store" that I could find. Soon enough they'll find that it's not shoplifters ruining their business, it's their attitudes and their unwillingness to be decent to others. Regards. read more

I'm not going to lie, everything about my experience sucked. I read the reviews prior to coming to this location and I should've heeded their warning. The customer service is DEPLORABLE to say the least. When my partner and I arrived the door was already locked (the sign said they lock is promptly at 5p it was no later than 4:35p). The person who came to unlock it seemed frustrated at doing so (maybe wait until 5 to lock it and people won't expect you to unlock it). Someone navigated us towards paint but walked away before we actually got anywhere, likely because they were guiding us to an area that was closed off. I found someone and they confirmed they close their paint early due to it taking a while to mix (says this nowhere on the website that it closes early- it makes sense it just isn't stated anywhere) So I left with nothing I came for and a bad taste in my mouth. With 8 or more people available prior to closing you'd think there would be someone assisting customers... read more

Dad needed a new wood stove, so we looked around at stoves. Dad couldn't find one he wanted. When we went into Shafers stove shop, Claire Was helping us and while she was asking questions about what Dad needed, she found the problem with dads stove, it will be a nice fix. She sold us the solution. Dad is happy, and we are happy. I am glad she listened, and knew what questions to ask. read more

Very poor return policy! I purchased too many electrical items so I could return the ones I didn't use later, but when I tried to return them it was past their return policy! even though they still stocked those parts! and they were still brand new unused! So now I am stuck with all these parts that I will never use.... Buy at Piersons they are much better at returns and there prices are much more reasonable! read more

Yup they've got a real attitude issue. I've left this store nearly crying last night over "mean girl" bs from the clerks. I had popped in on the cusp of closing, jammed around and found what I needed quickly so everyone could close and go home on time. The brunette classless clerk was the only person at a register so i go there,at the furthest line, she said she wasn't open, that I had to go "over there" with a vague hand wave but no further information provided. The other clerk's still not at a station, so I guessed it's the one usually open. Well, that auburn classless clerk was stocking something on the wall. When she finished, instead of saying some version of "i'm on this middle one," she walks past me clearly standing at the checkout, goes to her station and looks into space. It hurt my feelings pretty good for a minute. I noted to myself that if I hadn't forgotten about the meangirl spinnoff women working in this store, I would have had time to go to piersons. I checked my desire to snatch her bald, and decided to write this review instead. Everyone else in the store is nice but not these women. Hardware, garden, plumbing, painting staff are all wonderful. But these clerks need their attitudes straightened out. read more

Some of the most rude individuals I've ever seen in caromed service. I will drive the extra three miles to do business with a decent company, who has helpful and nice people. read more

This is my go to hardware store. I love the customer service I get every time I visit. I've had some plumbing issues in the last few days and Larry was right there to help me out when I described what I needed. I find the staff to be friendly and always go out of their way to help me with what I need. I really don't like going to other hardware stores in town because I seem to wonder about and no one asks if I need help. I read some of the other reviews my experience was very different. read more

I'm a landscaper that lives walking distance to this store so I come by fairly often. I had a hard time finding gloves that both provide full-protection against blackberry thorns and that came in women's sizes. I bought all their options, but found that men's small goathide works best. When I asked if they carried that, they were in a bit of a huff but called the Harrison x Harris location. I was told they did, drove there, and they didn't. It was rude to treat me like I was a nuisance after how often I go in to stock up on their gloves--it was also a waste of my time. Today I went in for household cleaning supplies. The woman working was eyeballing me, finally rudely asks if I'm finding everything ok. Interrupts my response with "for future reference we ask that you leave your backpack at the front register" and the further interrupted me to say, "there's a sign that says so on the door." And then without letting me speak, literally turns away to help another customer. No desire to support a business that is consistently rude. read more

Some staff have terrible attitude, tool shelves crammed full and hard to parse, bad return policy. Go elsewhere.

This store is right around the corner from my house. I really want them to be my favorite store, but after a year of second chances, I think I am just fed up with the clerks. I am done with the Shafer's Ace the store on E Street, versus the Shafer's Ace store on Harris that specializes in lumber. The store on Harris is fine. Those guys are nice and super friendly. If they split this Yelp listing, I would give the Harris store a 3 or 4 and the E Street a 1, so this 2 is my way of averaging it. My local hardware store is a big deal to me. I like saying hi to staff, I like discussing my projects, and I like bringing my dogs with me. Hardware stores are my favorite stores on the planet. It's hard to disappoint. Often, at the E Street Ace, the staff are disengaged and gloomy. They don't seem to know much more about their inventory than I do as evidenced by the feeling I get when we are looking for something together and I find what they are looking for. I agree with other reviewers that they often seem to walk away when they see you coming. I have been able to forgive this though because customer service is so hard to do. Today was the last straw though. I walked in with two things to return and the girl at the counter said that they needed a paper receipt. I have an Ace Rewards and they have been accepting that and my credit card used in the purchase for the purpose of returns. I have made several returns that way in the past two weeks; no paper receipt, just my Ace rewards phone number and the item. I even returned something my gardener bought and they referenced her Ace rewards and allowed me to return two plants. That was awesome. This time it was not so awesome. The clerk said no receipt, no return. I was buying other stuff, so I wasn't some shady customer trying to get cash for stolen merchandise, it was an exchange. I was kind of shocked. I said that I had my rewards number and she still said no. I explained to her that I have been doing returns using just the rewards record of the purchase forever here and she still wouldn't budge. She said that a receipt was their policy. I bumped into a manager on the way out and asked if they had changed their policy. I explained the situation and explained that I wanted to know what to expect and that I wanted to be treated the same every time. He went through and completed the return and I have to give them credit for that. But that clerk just cost Ace a potentially loyal customer that seems to hemorrhage money when it comes to the hardware store. A customer that has been trying to forgive other occasions when staff members seemed disconnected or less than courteous. I don't feel like I can even patronize their Harris Street location because I think that brick and mortar stores need to feel it in their bottom line when something is wrong. Bummer. I guess I will make the drive to Pierson's even though this place is walking distance. read more

Been shopping here because it's convenient and it's close by. The convenience however gets thrown out the window due to the attitude and treatment by the employees and management. I don't like being treated like a shoplifter and can't enjoy my shopping. I won't come here again. read more

No customer service. Staff goes out of their way to avoid helping you. Cashier acts like she is Doing you a favor. The only helpful people that were there was a young girl working in the nursery department. Very nice and helpful. I only live a couple blocks from this store. None of my neighbors have had a good experience in it. And now we go out of our way to go to Pearson's which is further away. Is that in please go out of my way to help you and the cashier smile and say thank you and goodbye. Maybe you can send your employees there to train in customer service. read more

I went here. The giant guy with a beard (mike?) was very helpful. Will go back. Customer service was very cool.

My mother and I ran into ace before they closed at 7pm. We really ended up showing up 10 minutes before they closed which was actually at 630. We were consistently and rudely rushed out of the store by four different employees. When we looked around I realized they were doing it with all the customers. It was the rudest treatment I have ever received from half the staff at a single store at the same time. To further the irritation they wouldn't quickly open the doors that lead to Henderson St. and the Henderson gate was closed as well so my mother, myself and two other customers had to walk a block around the fence from D street. I was looking at my car through the locked doors and there was an older male employee standing there with keys. read more

This store is near me and I avoided because staff was indifferent and they didn't seem to have what I wanted a lot of the time. I went in the other day looking for some butane and they were helpful and friendly. For now giving them 4 stars. Would be 5 but past experience wasn't so good. read more

I live a few blocks away from Shafer's Ace Hardware and consider it a real asset to the neighborhood. I don't recall ever going there and not finding what I needed. I'm always surprised that so much can be offered from such a relatively small building. They have a pretty complete selection of all hardware needs: Paint, plumbing, tools, hunting and fishing gear. Their garden section is remarkably complete and even includes a large selection of plants. About the only thing I'd stay away from is their very small selection of lumber. You'll pay a premium for wood there. It's a busy place, so sometimes staff won't be able to spend much time with you. Yet I've always been able to flag one down and have them point me in the right direction for what I need. I'll give them four stars for having pretty much everything I've ever needed in a very convenient location. read more

The worst customer service ever ! If they mess up your order they tell you it's your fault and then basically tell you to fuck off and the owner and the managers all agree, i'm gonna start shopping at piersons fuck this place! read more

I have shopped at Shafer's since the 1970's. When the new owner took over, the garden department because an amazing place to purchase things to spruce up my yard. I am no gardner but the staff is always ready to give advice. It's a fun place to shop. The ever changing gifts section is fun to browse through. I love this store and the staff is very helpful. read more

Employees of this store continue to prove themselves rude and sexist. Every six months or so I go back, and every time I swear I won't go again. Their location is convenuent for me, but whenever I ask for assistance, the clerks brush past me mumbling that they need to help someone else. I went there today hoping to save driving time. Instead I wasted 45 minutes hunting for cable clips when no one would help me. The clips also turned out to be hanging well out of reach (I'm 5 foot nothing). I had to knock several to the floor with a piece of cardboard just to read the packaging. Am I alone? No, four other women were standing near me, also ignored by everyone they asked for assistance. My husband says they're rude to everyone and that's also possible. I won't be going back in any case. read more

Shafers is truly head-n-shoulders above many of the other venders. Great Quality Plants/Flowers! read more

These guys usually have everything I need but I writing tonight because I just went there 15 minutes before they were noted online to close. The doors were locked but the open sign was still on. That's pretty unprofessional. I'm not saying this to slander more to be informative about how it comes across to customers. read more

I like Mark S.'s first line of his review of Shafer's, "The more I go here, the more I wonder why.", and until today, had been my general take for the 2+ years I've patronized them. It's a basic hardware store, with emphasis on the word basic. They've no depth of any particular product type- little choice- and though well stocked with what they carry, there is very little variation. It very much comes across as they don't really want to be a hardware store, so instead of improving that focus, let's sell guns, and ammo, and crab traps, and fishing gear, and stoves, and anything that has to do with Duck Dynasty, etc., etc.. There are a few pleasant employees, but the people at the registers have always been a dour, if not sour, bunch, with extremely few exceptions- not a smile, a personable comment- certainly nothing to indicate that I was familiar or a regular customer, which I have been, as it was the closest such store to our previous place, and our current home. Generally the younger employees have been at least pleasant, though rarely helpful, truth be told. The middle-aged and older people seem nearly aloof, or too good to mix with the riff raff of customers. This a generalization, so is problematic, at best, though this is the feeling I'm left with as a result of my interactions at Shafer's. It's well lit and clean, but is not personable, friendly or inviting. The ONLY thing it has is location, and as Jon A. say's in his review "Go to the Ace in Arcata...", with which I agree, strongly. Today I had an extremely unpleasant encounter with "Steven", seemingly a go-to person and/or manager. From the outset I felt as though I was suspected- that the assumption was made that I was trying to get away with something. He didn't understand the situation, but proceeded to act on what he thought he knew, and the more I raised logical, specific questions, the more defensive and antagonistic he became. This encounter assured that I will spend no more money at Shafer's Ace Hardware, and avidly encourage others to do the same. read more

Other then the cashiers...the staff is terrible. They are either not interested in helping, or not knowledgeable. I am forced to go here sometimes, just because it is easy...but when I have time, I go elsewhere. There are many other stores nearby that have a far more friendly and knowledgeable staff. The old men who work at this hardware store are essentially worthless, and should work at Rite Aide or CVS. read more

Extremely rude staff. Even the supervisor gave me attitude after his employee lied to me about a product. Also every time I go in I get stalked by staff and called in on the walkie talkie because I have dreadlocks. I'm not a thief, I've been purchasing over a $150 of supplies there each month, you would think that they would not harass and humiliate their customers. Do not go here and support this business. read more

Shafer's Hardware is the BEST! It is a wonderful asset in Henderson Center. It has been my go-to store (except for building supplies) for 42 years. I have purchased gallons of paint over the years, the gardening department has supplied my landscaping needs, and every odds and end item. PLUS notice all the hanging plants that decorate and brighten Henderson Center, we can thank Shafer's. read more

Your friendly neighborhood hardware store! They support your community needs with a generous heart and a smile!

Terrible customer service. Wasn't helped or asked if I needed help. Said hi to several employees and each of them looked at me, didn't say anything, and kept moving. Finally after waiting to grab some garden tools out of a cabinet that is usually locked I asked if Dany could help me when he gets a chance and he shortly said "it's unlocked". That was the start of our relationship. Next while checking out I wasn't sure that everything had been rung up so I was looking at the screen and Dany says to me "it's not rocket science you know". DICK! I'm never going back to "the helpful place", from now on I'll drive to Pearsons read more

No more pricey than anywhere else in the area when it comes to the garden section, which is almost my exclusive reason for being there- though, now that i think about it, those few times ive needed a specific sized washer/bolt, or or particular tool for a project- the rest of the staff( not just the Garden Shop folks who're undoubtedly my reason For Returning) ..the rest of the staff have been very kind and helpful in initiating the offer to help, and not overly hawkish when i am, infact just slowly browsing and getting ideas for how to best flex the ol' green thumb. Speaking of- one last nod to the young lady who's been working for 3+/- years and has answered a slew of my questions, given honest & *correct planting advice & tios, and never lost a lick of enthusiasm or positive demeanor. I wish i could recall her name but no matter, as they're all top notch in my book & you cant go wrong by giving them a chance to help. ( Oh and they generally have a weekly sale on varying products throughout the store that can be of some real value if you keep an eye out in the paper) read more

The more I go here, the more I wonder why. They have a decent selection of stuff, especially with the recent renovation, reorganization. The Staff is where it dies big time. Checkers have always been good, but it's hit, miss, miss on the rest of the staff for me. Overwhelmingly if I need help it's not around or downright incompetent. I've been steered into wrong paints, and had things other than what I asked for mixed up for me in the paint dept. They do have some Benjamin Moore, so I go back painfully. The last time was the last backstab. Leaving the store 45 minutes before they close and the clerk coming in the back asked "you aren't trying to leave by the back entrance are you?" As I was, he got very upset and grumbled complaints all the way to the gate to let me out after I offered to walk all the way around the block to my car in THEIR back parking lot. A-Hole! Still, decent hours,prices, and general selection. Just do not go here if you need help. Piersons my friend, in Eureka, Piersons is the only dependable place. read more

Screw this place. The other day I went in for a screw. I went down the right isles with all the screws, but couldn't find one to fit my hole. After trying to find it for about 10 mins I decided to ask someone. That was a complete disaster. He looked and looked, called for help, then told me that he couldn't help me. He also said that it might be in electronics, but the guy who could help me wasn't there. He also told me that I probably wouldn't find it anywhere else so I should go to the jewelry store. I ended up going to Peirson's and getting superior service. The guy even GAVE me the screw for free! In the end, I will NEVER go back to Ace- even though it's closer. read more

Will NOT accept returns from Other Ace's. Also management was extremely rude about it.

Dysfunctional business run by incompetent people, in my humble opinion...I live equal distances between the 2 stores, and just spent six months remodeling a rental Craftsman house I was getting ready to sell. I was going in there at least once every other day for supplies, because Pierson's is too far away. Rather than spend an eternity with vacant-faced, clueless employees, I called ahead several times to find out if they had specific items; after carefully describing exactly what I was looking for, they told me that they definitely had it. I would drive down there to be told that they did not have the item(s), after all, and not even apologize! I think the requirements for being hired there are to know nothing about anything they carry. Men who have worked there for 20 years can't find the simplest of items. They seem incapable of listen to descriptions of what I need, and take me to things I did not ask for. I was doing the runs for materials to save my contractor's time. He repeatedly had me return items because they had sold the wrong things to me, though I would hand written descriptions to the salesmen. They often scurry around like rats, avoiding eye contact with customers. A local hardware/lumber company (Myrtletown/McKenny) closed several months back; the friendliest, most knowledgeable, easy-going worker, "Mark", got a job at the new Shafer's (Harrison and Harris). A month before, I had taken two old floor lamps into his old workplace, after the men in Pierson's and in the old Shafer's had told me they could NOT be fixed. Mark smiled, laughed, went and picked the parts, and fixed them perfectly in 15 minutes each. After that store closed, Mark got a job at the new Shafer's. We were thrilled; finally, there was going to be ONE employee there who knew where items are, how to narrow down the choices, and how to use them....surprise! They have fired him!! Now he drives an hour each way to get to work somewhere else. The manager comes across as self-important, arrogant, condescending, to me; he probably can't stand anyone knowing anything because he apparently doesn't (in my humble opinion). I do want to acknowledge the exceptions to the rule... "Monica" in the paint department of the new store; she is a gem; smart, organized, works hard, knows her department well. Also, this week, I met a young woman named "Katie" at the new store. She floored me with her friendliness, professionalism, and superior knowledge of the materials available. Also, they hired a nice young man named "Stephen" for the paint dept. in the old store; he is still learning the ropes, but works hard and means well. I observed that upon being hired, they just dumped him there to effectively run the department. The old guys stood around, drinking coffee, and watching him try to handle all of the customers, or disappeared, making themselves unavailable to train him or provide advice and assistance to him, and to customers. There are a couple young guys who were recently hired to work at the new store. Instead of spending their days exploring the store, learning the layout and the uses of the materials and tools, stand around at the front of the store, chewing gum, and watching people come in and out. When asked where something is, they have taken me wandering all over the store, and are never able to find anything. I had to find things myself and then show the employees where they are. The attitudes of workers comes down from the people at the top of the structure. What a mess. That these stores exist at all is a mystery to me. When it was announced that they were opening a second store, people were amazed, as they seem to be incapable of running one.. Be sure to read all of the critical reviews which Yelp! hides at the end of the current reviews. I hope the owner reads all of these, and makes some changes. Dysfunctional doesn't begin to describe the situation. read more