Ring's End — Local services in East Lyme

The service in the paint section is great, as is the lumberyard. However, if you are looking for rude, condescending, and frankly sexist service, then go to the front desk section. This problem is exacerbated if you look like a homeowner rather than a contractor with a big job order. Every time I have been there, I am only able to get service after waiting for a staff member to wrap up his non-work related conversation with an equally unoccupied colleague. Only then will someone deign to speak to me, unless someone else asks about the latest baseball game. Even worse, if I happen to come with a male companion, the staff member will assume that a woman couldn’t possible have a question in a hardware store and direct their attention to him. This Ring’s End location has a reputation for this unacceptable and unfriendly behavior, making it difficult to support a more local business that has such obvious disdain for customers that don’t look a...

We have had two kitchen designs done by Kevin, who is no longer with Rings End. He was WONDERFUL!!! We met with Kerry a month ago and she promised us a design and pricing within a week. Fast forward a month and we heard nothing. I called and spoke with the manager, Ed. He informed Kerry’s mom passed. I emailed, extended my condolences and asked if she had the capacity to quote our job. She responded she would have a quote in 2 days. Here we are over a week later with nothing. Understanding Kerry is dealing with her mom’s passing, I reached out to Ed as the store manager. We did not even receive the courtesy of a reply. Not sure what’s going on at this store, but clearly their customer service has slipped significantly. Their lack of response has now put us behind with our new construction. Thanks, Rings End. Find another place and save yourself...

6/27/2025 Update:

Shoutout to Michael in the Paint department at Rings End Lumber in Niantic, CT! It’s rare to find someone so knowledgeable and helpful. I went in for accent wall paint, forgot the chip, and Michael still knew exactly what I needed—by name, no less. Quick, easy, and spot-on service. Thanks, Mike! Muriel would be proud 😊

Rings End Lumber – Niantic, CT – 8/14/2016

With all of the giant chains gobbling up all of the local hardware stores it's nice to have a store like this to come to.

Great selection, friendly and knowledgable staff actually there and available to help you! My favorite is the gal in the paint department. She's great with recommendations and advice on projects.

You've got a loyal...