in praise of local businesses

[Gary Majchrzak]

the big boxes didn't have the plumbing parts I needed.

I stood in their aisles for many minutes trying to find what I was looking for and, in the end, they didn't have them.

No helpful employees to be found, either. (It was even difficult to find someone to point me in the direction of the men's room!)

At 4:50PM I went to Black's Hardware (which closes at 5PM on Sat.) and the gentlemen inside hooked me up with what I needed in less than one minute.
Incredible.

When it comes to plumbing supplies in this area Debbie Supply (in East Rochester) is another place worthy of mention.

I don't know how these small places compete with the big boys but THANK GOODNESS they still exist. Are there any others worthy of mention?
Please post them in this thread- even the ones in Buffalo and Syracuse.
Such info might come in handy in the future!

 

[pascal32]

The little places really come through sometimes! Their price is often close enough to make the extra few cents worth the customer service. HD and Lowes service has been awefull lately.

Glad to hear it worked out for you!

 

[Gary Majchrzak]

I don't usually shop around much but so far this weekend ALL of the national chains that I've visited have been absolutely terrible. Employees are difficult to find. Items aren't in stock. I could go on and on but I'd rather try and keep this thread positive

 

[jfl14609]

for plumbing supplies I normally go to either Ferguson or Rochester plumbing supply people are very knowledgeable and they have great inventory

 

[Gary Majchrzak]

Rochester Plumbing Supply on Dewey Ave.?

Ferguson. I haven't heard that name for over a decade!
Where are they?

 

[Capt_Cully]

Big fan of keeping the $$$ local. Just paid a touch more for a bunch of lawn supplies. You never know when you'll need a mom n pop shop. There's a lot to be said for accountability too. Go to a big box store and find someone who cares as much as a small business owner. They need you to be satisfied. They are usually in a business because its their cup of tea. That also means they're likely to care more. Big box employee just wants to get through their shift without being hassled.

 

[Kent E]

Couldn't be better said. I've been fuming for years. The big boxes come in, they carry a plethora of everything at a very low price, they put the mom and pops out of business.... THEN THEY STOP CARRYING MANY PERIPHERAL ITEMS AND RAISE THEIR PRICES!!!!! It's a sham.

Support local business owners whenever you can!

 

[mikegerard]

Rochester plumbing is down near high falls and Kodak office. I got al my sprinkler supplies and a toddler sized toilet from them. I usually go to the big box for day to day supplies but use them for specialty stuff. The two projects listed above ran about 1200 dollars. I might have saved a little going big box but all these items were in stock at rps and would have been special order at hd.

Mike

 

[Gary Majchrzak]

Rochester plumbing is down near high falls and Kodak office.

thanks!
I know of that place. I'll have to keep them in mind. I wonder if they're the same folks that were on Dewey Ave. years ago.

 

[magdelan]

Living in Gananda, I head into the town of Walworth on rt 441 and go to Walworth Hardware. They have a couple of cats hanging out on stuff and the owner is always there to help with whatever you may need. I haven't left disappointed once.

 

[superkat]

Hunt's Hardware, here in the 19th Ward, is a little mom and pop shop that has been handed down through the generations, now run by the grandson's family of the original owners....they have everything, and if they don't, they can get it within a day or two. Excellent glass cutters, have fixed our old windows a couple times with new glass. Friendly, and they make house calls within the neighborhood if there is something you need help with or just can't bring in. Once i needed a hinge, took a pic on my cell, sent it to them and they called and said, "yup, we have that and we can bring it by."

 

[Gary Majchrzak]

great thread so far!

great thread so far!

I know that I'll be searching it up for use in the future!

Mayer Hardware (corner of University and Blossom) is another one that's never failed me.

 

[jfl14609]

Gary ferguson has even better inventory and they just opened a satellite store on west ridge road near wegmans. The main branch is on winton rd

 

[Gary Majchrzak]

Gary ferguson has even better inventory and they just opened a satellite store on west ridge road near wegmans. The main branch is on winton rd

there's one in Ridgemont Plaza?

 

[jfl14609]

its just east of ridgemont there used to be a hickory ham store there or something like that so its between say ponderosa and ridgemont

 

[Gary Majchrzak]

gotcha!

gotcha!

:thumbsup:

 

[reefdogg1107]

Hunt's Hardware, here in the 19th Ward, is a little mom and pop shop that has been handed down through the generations, now run by the grandson's family of the original owners....they have everything, and if they don't, they can get it within a day or two. Excellent glass cutters, have fixed our old windows a couple times with new glass. Friendly, and they make house calls within the neighborhood if there is something you need help with or just can't bring in. Once i needed a hinge, took a pic on my cell, sent it to them and they called and said, "yup, we have that and we can bring it by."

Funny you should mention them KAT , my father has sworn by that store for the better part of 30 years!!

 

[talon4x4]

I like Hector's Hardware. Its a local chain of about 10 stores. The employees are always knowledgeable and very helpful!!