Menards — Local services in Normal

A WARNING TO ALL CONSUMERS: DO NOT PURCHASE GAS POWERED EQUIPMENT AT MENARD’S!!! I purchased a Poulan lawn mower at Menard’s in Normal, used it for a week, realized that it was a very inferior product that mowed horribly and would not stay running. As consumers, we have all purchased items that did not meet our expectations, and we all have the right to return them if defective, but that is not the case at Menard’s. When I returned to the store, I was asked the same question by three different managers, and that was “Did you put gas in it?” If so, you are out of luck! I’m not sure how I am supposed to know if the product is defective if we don’t put gas in it, but Menard’s doesn’t care about that. After several discussions with the store manager, Darren Visser, who was extremely unprofessional, I was told that I could take it to the local “authorized” service center, which was Midwest Equipment in Normal. When I took it in and told the service manager why I was there, he said “What did you expect, you bought it at Menard’s, it’s a piece of s##! Apparently, Menard’s and Midwest Equipment share the same customer service philosophy. When they were unable to help me resolve the situation, I went back to the store manager and he told me that there was another service center in Leroy that I could take it to. When I took it there, I was told by the owner that she would not do the work because Menard’s owes her money, and until she was paid she could not proceed. Menard’s agreed to pay the long overdue bill so she proceeded with the work. My emails were forwarded to a corporate employee who apologized for the problem that I was having and offered to help resolve the situation. He called the service center and then contacted me and said he would warranty out a part which was only a very small part of the problem. When the service center called me, I was told that I would have to pay for the part because Menard’s does not pay their bills. So now I still have a defective mower and in addition I have to pay a repair bill on a brand new mower. FYI, if you ever have a problem at Menard’s with anything and you wish to speak with someone other than the store manager such as a corporate employee in Customer Service, you can’t. They have insulated the store manager from answering to anyone about anything by putting the customer in an eternal loop. If you call Customer Service, you leave a voice mail that is forwarded to the very person that you had the problem with and that person calls you back. There is no accountability whatsoever. I went to both of Menard’s main competitors (Home Depot, Lowe’s) and asked them if I bought a piece of gas powered equipment from them and I didn’t like it, what would their return policy be? Both told me that I could return for any reason within 30 days, which is all you can ask as a consumer. Menard’s could have handled this situation, and I would have remained a happy customer. They chose not to handle it at all so I...

Ladies are you single or shopping solo? If so, then Menards is a place you need to avoid. They don't accept 'female' money. Evidently it's not quite as valuable as 'male' money.

I just left the Normal, IL, Menards after having tried valiantly to purchase a can of paint. Yes, paint, a very controversial commodity. I stood at the paint counter patiently waiting for the clerk to finish a job for another customer. I was, at this time, the only individual standing at the paint counter. I was also in full view of the clerk in question. There was a second, older male clerk, working on something at the other paint computer who completely ignored me as though I was invisible.

About 3 or 4 minutes into my wait a 50-something year old man walked up to the counter and stood adjacent to me. Guess who received attention once the first clerk had completed his work? You got it. The female, who had been standing for several minutes, was completely overlooked in favor of the male who had just arrived.

I let out a small breath and said "What gives...?". The clerk and the man both looked up, seemingly surprised at my audacity to say anything. I just walked off and drove across the street to Home Depot.

Guess what? Home Depot was happy to take my 'female' money! I even asked the clerk if the store accepted 'female' money. He laughed and said they accept everyone's money.

I'm nearly completed with my home renovation. I have fully remodeled my 2 story home, purchasing nearly everything at Menards. No more. Things have definitely changed in only a few months time. The bigotry is on full display.

I realize I'm not in California any longer and bigotry is tolerated, even condoned, in the Midwest. I guess my naivete thought everyone's money was of the same value. I will no longer be purchasing anything from Menards nor will the handyman who is getting ready to start my $10,000 bathroom remodel.

I sincerely hope the discrimination was worth it. They really showed me! I will, from henceforth, be taking my X chromosome and money to Home Depot or Lowes. Ladies you would be wise to do the same because Menards does not...

My review is for Normal,IL

This place only has 3stars because their male staff members are extremely professional,friendly and helpful to everyone!

Pros: male staff in plumbing,kitchen bath Amazing employee's.actually everywhere in that store.

Outdoor employees do a fantastic job with up keep.

Inside the store is beautiful,clean,pleasant smell

Very clean store,easy to find things

Diversity at this location and professionalism with all areas of the store

Smart staffing they higher attractive to average looking female cashiers of different races who are professional with pleasant voices.

Busy managers but with out a doubt helpful.

Cons: store is located at a bad area like right by home depot and a Sam's club.

Bus stop is located at an awkward point for both bus riders and drivers and there is no bench or shell (like a booth) for bad weather days.

Prices are very high.

Doesn't have many parts or portable washer /dryer items

They don't do special ordering but they should.

my final comment: unfortunately for Menards the prices and special orders are more of a corporate issue but if the big guy listens to the little guys this store could be amazing!

The bus stop area is a city problem but it affects the business profits think about it most bus riders wouldn't go all the way to menards just to get their items rained on after 1hour wait for a bus with nowhere to sit and too close to a busy street. Not safe ,Not thoughtful of children,elderly or...