Grand Haven-Rivers Ace Hardware — Local services in Grand Haven

When they first opened, I appreciated their small store feel and occasional helpfulness, even though their prices were significantly higher than those of larger retailers.

However, my recent encounter left me deeply dissatisfied. Four days ago, I purchased two hose adapters. Unfortunately, one leaked at the seam, and the other’s thread split at the bottom. Understandably, I returned them to the store. That’s when things took a turn for the worse.

The two cashiers seemed unsure of how to handle the situation because the package had been opened. I assured them that I didn’t expect them to put the defective items back on the shelf. Instead, I requested a refund. To my surprise, the manager echoed the same sentiment: because the items were used, they couldn’t issue a refund. Instead, they offered an exchange for new adapters.

Here’s where it went from disappointing to downright unacceptable. When I reached behind the counter to show the manager the faulty parts, he aggressively jumped at me, shouting, “Don’t you f-ing come over this counter!” His behavior was completely uncalled for and unprofessional.

As a customer, I expect respectful treatment, especially when dealing with defective merchandise. The manager’s outburst crossed a line, and I won’t tolerate such behavior. I promptly left the store, vowing never to return!

Grand Haven Ace Hardware had the potential to be a reliable local option, but their mishandling of this situation and the manager’s inappropriate behavior have permanently soured my opinion. I encourage others to consider alternative hardware stores...

Stopped by Ace Hardware in Grand Haven for license plate fasteners when my plate popped off driving back from vacation. Ted went above and beyond in helping me, even though I made it there only a couple minutes before their closing time. Ted not only helped me find fasteners that would work (the dealership had put the wrong-sized fasteners in my recently purchased used car & the standard flat top ones weren't working now), he even lent me one of their screwdrivers & went outside to help put them on. It was a very minor purchase, but I was super impressed by their excellent customer service and grateful for Ted's help. If they take care of their customers like this for a $4 purchase, I can only imagine how helpful they must be for larger projects. If I lived in Grand Haven, this would be my go-to place now for hardware needs....

We were working on my son's place in Grand Haven township. I needed a spark plug and was checking on a rewind that broke on the generator. They didn't stock the spark plug that I needed and were unable to do anything on the pull starter. I went to the Spring Lake hardware. They proved to be very helpful. They didn't have the plug on the shelves. The clerk went in back in their repair department and found one. They also offered to order the part ( which I ordered from my local hardware by my home). Both stores were large newer stores with nice staff. However, there was a noticeable difference in the staff's knowledge and...