Welna Hardware Inc — Attraction in Minneapolis

Great store I stop in for a dew things from time to time. I understand the area surrounding the store has its fair share of issues but that Dosent mean you need to treat every black customer such as myself as a potential thief. I went in to have a few keys cut and grab some supplies I needed. As I’m walking down an aisle I have an employee ask me to take the light bulb he thinks I stole out of my back pocket. Mind you I have my nephew with my in a baby stroller like I really would want to steal and be foolish when I have a kid with me. I’m confused but oblige his request and empty my pockets for him to see that all I had was my asthma inhaler which looked kinda bulky in my back pocket. I understand the employees concern for products not being stole but to just blatantly accuse me of stealing a light bulb and of all places hiding it I’m my back pocket¿ are you serious the guilt and look of embarrassment over washed his face as it should. He could have been a man and offered me an apology on the spot. I finished my shopping and don’t think I’ll be returning here anytime soon. It’s a shame because I usually have no...

I saw a piano on the side of the road that was being discarded, so I stopped and checked it out. it was in good shape. Just needed a tune-up. By the time I was able to get back with a cart and straps, it had started to rain. Then it started to pour. We realized that we weren't going to get it to safety before it was destroyed by the rain. Plan B. We drove a few blocks over to the welana hardware and found a tarp. They probably thought i was nuts. I didn't have my wallet, so im standing up at the register soaking wet, panicking, and delivering the most rushed, incoherent explanation of what we were trying to accomplish. I needed to convey the urgency of our situation. I botched it, and just as the feeling of defeat began to set in, they gave me the tarp and agreed to let me return later with payment.

That isn't just a hardware store. it's a part of my neighborhood and a part of our community. Life here is not always easy, but if i ever moved away, welana hardware would be one of the things i would miss the most. When you're faced with constant adversity, you need folks like this around because they help...

I love Welna! Been going here over 40 years. The staff is always helpful. They help.me find what I need quickly. They can special order items or I can order online and ship to store. They will deliver certain items. Bought 20 bags of woodchips and they dropped it off in front of my garage the next day. So many services. I've used the window and screen repair quite a bit. Can get just a piece of glass custom sized, although prices have gone up. And I miss Vern - he was the best and fast. They don't try to pressure you to buy certain things. And cannot beat the price of making key duplicates. I have only once had to have a key remade because it did not quite fit. No charge for the redo. And they remember the brands of tools I like, the paints I use. ,(even just mixed a can of paint I had from somewhere else that had been sitting too long. I cannot say enough...