Karsten's Ace Hardware — Local services in Phoenix

This ACE Hardware store, in my own personal opinion, has some of the most helpful & knowledgeable employees that I've ever come across. Yes it's a "Chain" brand store and often that means "turnover", "inexperienced" employees and yada yada yada. All of which makes my experience even more significant, to me. Every time I've gone, to this store, I continue to find "on the floor" employees that, truly, know what they're doing. In only one case, an employee wasn't 100% confident in knowing the best way to solve my problem, instead of trying to "bluff" his way through, he very smartly said "I'm not sure that what I would suggest is really the best option, let me go get "John Doe" (as in I don't recall the name of the person) he'll know for certain. Sure enough he did have the answer. At a different chain I might of just had to walk out the door with no answers. That passes the "Cheers" test for me. (I'm dating myself with that reference to the TV show "Cheers" but I'll always prefer the kind of place where "....everybody knows your name..." to a big chain where nobody knows anything, you're...

I am in the middle of relocating and need to touch up a few areas of my home with a fresh coat of paint. I found a can in the garage that was incredibly old and not surprising, the paint had dried out. I took the can to Lowes and they attempted to match the color. I painted a section of the wall and the color was way off. I took it to Home Depot- same story. This all took place over a 3 hour period. I then decided to stop by this Ace Harware on my way home. I gave Zack my can of dried up paint and he blended the color absolutely perfectly....like a true paint scientist. Not only did he get the color spot on, he was friendly and quick and stopped what he was in the middle of to help me. I was asked several times while I was in the store if I needed help finding an item. This particular store has a neighborhood feel with top notch customer service and everything you will need to complete a home project. Skip the big stores and...

It's a standard Ace, and not a large one so the selection is somewhat limited. But for their size they have done a good job of stocking what you need 90% of the time. Obviously if you want something like lumber you will go to Home Depot. Prices are standard Ace. Parking is good. But here is the reason for four stars - service. I am used to being ignored at an Ace, they seen to not train staff well, poor management. Not this one - they pay attention to the customer and actually approach you ask if you need help. Wow! Also there is a terrific coffee shop right next, a great couple of restaurants fifty yards away. Very convenient location with good access from...