Northbrook Ace Hardware — Local services in Northfield Township

A few years ago, our local neighborhood hardware store switched affiliations from Do It Best to Ace Hardware, but they still have the same friendly people working there. I am a big fan of this store, mainly because it is so convenient and they have good hours. I could get a lower price by driving up to the big warehouse store in the next town, but I would waste at least an additional hour if not more by going there.

What I can say about Northbrook Ace is that they are very helpful and they have just about everything you really need. It's small town friendly service like you won't find in the big box stores. Also, you don't have to wait a long time at the checkout and there's generally plenty of parking right at the door.

Yes, you will sometimes pay a little more, so if all you are interested in is price, go to a discount place. Personally, I really like having this store handy when I need something in a hurry. They will take the time to tell you what to do when your "quick 5 minute" plumbing repair job suddenly turns into a 2 hour nightmare.

Despite the fact that some prices are higher, a lot of things are actually competitively priced. They also give you reward points and $5 gift certificates from time to time. I appreciate this store and I hope they will be around for a long time.

I have to mention one especially nice thing that happened. I was trying to run a new TV cable through my wall, and I didn't have the right tool for that. One of the "helpful hardware guys" sent me over to his home to get the tool and instructed his wife to give it to me. How many people can you think of that would do that? I was...

I will never shop here again.

I just returned a leaf blower. With tax I paid $199.99. When I returned it, they gave me back $197.99, and a comment of, "well, it's close enough."

What?! I returned 100% of the leaf blower, I expect 100% of my money back.

Two old men tried to explain to me, "well, its because of the $20 discount you got." Someone should send them back to high school, because the line items don't matter. Its the total. I gave you a TOTAL OF $199.99, I should receive $199.99 back.

But, it doesn't end there. The cashier then asks the manager, "should I just give her her two dollars back to make her happy?" in the condescending tone that only an 80 year old man can. The manager oks the additional refund. But do I get the full $2? Nope. I get $1.97. I just left rolling my eyes. I'm getting my three cents worth in writing this terrible review.

Look, I get computers can be hard for the Boomer generation, but don't be condescending and act like I'm unreasonable just because I want all of my money back.

EDIT: the owner seems to think that the trouble i have is with the return transaction. Its not. Those mistakes happen, and I was perfectly patient in trying to resolve that issue. Its how I was treated when I brought the error to the attention of both the cashier and the manager.

Being told, "close enough" and then treated like I'm being an unreasonable child when I just wanted a complete and correct transaction is...

Great store with great service. I purchased a Stihl 251 chainsaw, but once home I couldn’t start it :-(. Came back and they showed me how I probably flooded it…and then we did get it to start…but it takes a real good pull, and I knew it would be too much of a hassle down the line. So I decided to return it, and they processed it without a complaint in literally 30 seconds. Great service always, even when the sale doesn’t work out. Will do more research and find an alternative that’s easier to start….and if they sell it will definitely buy from them.

One more thing…even the owner got involved to make sure I was satisfied with the service…wow. Special shout out to Jeffrey for great no...