Swain's Hardware — Local services in Cape May

Big box hardware stores just don't compare to Swain's, with it's unparalleled customer service. Indeed, just called in payment for a renter who needs a grill part and they're going to help them when they get there (5 min. ago). And I do that whenever I need propane tank exchange for the grill or anything. Needed a new grill once, too, and they delivered same day assembled on site. Not only that, but they carry everything I've ever needed or wanted-- including Miele vacuums (bought 2 there), which I don't think I could've found for 100 miles around. Have been going there almost every day I'm down since I bought a house in Cape May (because you always need something once you own an old house) in 1992. Yes, they know me by name, ask about the kids, the dogs, & help out within a minute of walking in-- and it's a real family...

4/8 10:17 am Called to see if a particular mulch was in stock as it hadn't been last week. The woman answering the phone bizarrely said "Swains. No sunglasses" in a very rude way. I stated that I was not calling about glasses but rather much, and that had I actually been calling about glasses it would have been an extremely unprofessional way to answer the phone. I've lived in Cape May and have been going to Swains for 3 decades, and while their staff is a bit strange at times, they generally aren't usually rude. I get that they're irritated that people are calling asking for solar glasses but not ALL your customers are calling for that; even if they WERE, it is quite literally your job - the one you're being paid to perform - to assist customers not only in person but also on the...

We came here to pick up a case of water. As soon as we parked, a young employee yelled at us, saying we weren’t allowed to park there. When I asked if they sold water, he said yes. I then asked why we couldn’t park, and he told us it was because we weren’t customers. I explained that we were about to buy the water I had just asked about, and only then did he seem to understand. He apologized to a coworker nearby, but never to us directly. His tone was unnecessarily aggressive and made us feel very unwelcome.

On a more positive note, the woman at the checkout was kind and professional — that’s the reason we’re giving two stars instead of one. We hope management will address the importance of respectful communication...