I used to dread going to the hardware store, feeling overwhelmed by the hundreds of different types of nuts and bolts, tools, paints, pipes, wood beams and boards, electrical wiring etc and a million other things that I don't understand what the heck they are used for. That dreaded feeling I'm going to walk the long aisles, up and down, and still not finding the specific thing I need. Exhausted, like I just went to the gym type of feeling. Is not the feeling I get
when I enter a Valu home center.
I like going there because it's a midsize hardware store, easy to find what you need, very decent prices (especially if you enroll in their rewards program) and best of all their really is "customer service."
Today, like many days before when I entered the store, a friendly employee was quick to greet me and asked me if they could help to find me what I'm looking for. When I'm so pressed for time, this means a lot to me. I often find the very thing I came to the store for, but because I'm not scouring through a humongous store, I end up having a few minutes to browse for other things that I might want to buy in the future.
Now I have my eyes set on LED lighting for under the kitchen cabinets and an American Standard toilet. Exciting stuff!! Maybe Santa will bring me these goodies? I've been a very good girl this year.
Funny thing, five years ago I bought a bookshelf at this very store that I really grown to appreciate use in my home office. Having moved to a new house recently, I thought it would be nice to have one more bookshelf to make a pair.
One would not expect to buy furniture in a hardware store, but surprisingly Valu has a great selection of affordable and stylish wood furniture. The furniture brand name is Sauder. Valu sells this brand a few dollars cheaper than if you bought it directly from Sauder on their website.
The store manager Joe, was very pleasant and efficient. He sweetened the deal by giving me a discount on the floor model and setting up delivery and a decent price. I couldn't be happier!
Truly, the customer service is golden. It's what make me a repeat and happy customer.
Plus, Valu is a family business. Not a publically traded company. They have thirty plus stores in New York and Pennsylvania. I'd much rather support a family business. read more