Westlake Ace Hardware — Local services in Council Bluffs

OK. I admit it. This is my favorite store in Council Bluffs. I love hardware stores! I loved accompanying my dad to our downtown hardware store in Ypsilanti Michigan where they had everything from drills, hammers, ladders, TV sets, radios, to TV tube testers. (Yes we used to have tubes in our TV sets and would try to eliminate the TV repair man visit by testing our own TV tubes!) This Westlake Ace Hardware store has everything except the TVs and tube testers. How could this store have every part, screw, nail, plug, hose, hook, device that you could ever need? It does. It also carries off the wall snack items so beware. The staff is very friendly and very helpful compared to the Big Box hardware stores. And so easy to shop here. Park close to the entrance, ask for help, get your items, and leave... This store has that wonderful hometown hardware store feeling that I loved growing up. Think of spending your dollars with these folks. We already lost another independent hardware...

There is a limited selection of household, hardware maintenance, lawn care, and other items/products one may be searching for. Prices are noticeably higher than other retailers. Care provided to plants & flowers is possibly the worst I have discovered. Most of the inventory is dead, yet remain in place for sale at full price, no discounts. The store location is a place the homeless and drug addicted have chosen to reside in the parking lot, alley, and other open spaces surrounding the immediate area. Law enforcement has been involved with at least one assault and robbery that are public records & can be seen interacting with people at the location frequently. With all of that said, the retailer employs friendly, helpful staff. They are highly skilled and knowledgeable. The store is well lit, clean & organized. I personally have not had a poor interaction inside or outside...

I had to lower stars today. Over 1 employee. No one offered me help. I counted 3 workers on my way to "find" what I was looking for. 2 people immediately behind me were asked. I found what I was looking for, well, sort of. I asked a worker walking by if he could help me. He was turning to talk to me and this female employee pushes him with one hand and said "I got it" shoving him off. Then, she absolutely didn't have it. I researched before I went to the store about what I was looking for. Making sure it wasn't a wasted trip. She kept telling me they didn't carry what I asked for. Huffy and rude she said "I'll go look it up and show you warehouse is out". While she did that, I looked a little harder and found what I was looking for. I showed her and instead of an apology said "well they weren't there". I love Ace and this location but she's...