Downtown Ace Hardware — Local services in San Diego

Ran in to get a last minute item on a rough day... Dude working asked how I was- said fine and continued on. He followed me, and asked again in a sarcastic tone how I was doing. I again said fine, and he made it a point to tell me how he was "just CHECKING on his CUSTomers so its FINE if I'm FINE he was JUST ASKING". He wouldn't let it go, and stuck around though I'd confimed I did not need help. If there were any other option downtown I would have just left. I will be sure to next time, if the employees can't handle shoppers not needing their help, or trying to have a quick in and out without excessive conversation. The woman at the register was very aware, knew how to read the room, and was pleasantly helpful without being a complete duck about it. She deserves a raise for putting up with his horrible attitude all day.

Editing to point out this out, since the owner wants to pretend the situation was different than what I've already explained... I'll go ahead and elaborate for the peoiple in the back.

The employee was not giving "good service", he was confrontational, and made a scene. He refused to walk away, even after I asked to be left alone. There was no point for him to be so rude, and seemed to take it too personally that I didn't want to conversate. I ALWAYS want to be left alone... but I put up with genuine, normal people. Customers shouldn't feel attacked, and shouldn't have to defend themselves because an emplyoee can't "read the room", and won't take no as an answer. NO means NO ACE Hardware, and if the owner isn't willing to train their employees on how to handle a variety of customers... I won't be a customer anymore. Looks from the reviews like there's not just a "couple of 1 stars" that got good service.. It looks like I'm not the only one who had to deal with this guy. Places deliver for free these days, there's...

I go in there to buy some things to plant my flowers. A woman have problems ringing up the order so she manually put it in. I didn't think anything of it because obviously she's new and she was nervous. I had an extra pots and naturally went to return it.They said no no you didn't get it there even though we had the receipt she rang you up for something else and I'm like she probably did comparable to it and because of that I could not get a return. Why would I shop somewhere where I can't even make a return because of a cashier's blunder? I see the one that she charged me with in place of the Potter that I got but I can't return it because it's not the same as what she put in the system. No I'm stuck with an extra potter. And I can forgive the blunder ... I mean the girl is new... and she was a really nice lady...and I can even forgive them not even accepting my return. Because yeah technically it is not on this receipt she scan something else and replace of that and it makes sense. I could forgive all of that and just say oh it's just eight bucks or something but it's HOW THEY MADE ME FEEL when I try to return it and how they behaved it's the reason why I would not want to go to this place. If I'm giving any money I'm earning to your business you do not make the person feel like some kind of way when they attempts to return something regardless of what they can or cannot. Save yourself the trouble of headache of going to this place and just shop on Amazon. At least there when something is messed up you can...

Okay, I've had way too many great experiences at Ace Hardware in Downtown San Diego, so this review is long overdue!

This specific Ace Hardware is truly a neighborhood gem. Every time I visit, I’m greeted with a warm welcome and a willingness to help. That’s hard to find these days. The staff here is consistently friendly, knowledgeable, and genuinely eager to assist—whether it’s helping me track down a specific part or offering advice on a DIY project.

The store is well-organized and easy to navigate, and even though it’s in the heart of downtown, it’s never overwhelming. I’ve left every visit feeling confident that I got exactly what I needed, thanks to their attentive service.

TMI, but my son is currently potty training. He yelled out that he had to go to the bathroom, and the staff was kind enough to let us use their employee bathroom (which was immaculate). Also, because I had my son with me at the time, I managed to leave my keys behind. Toddlers are distracting! Dione called and left me a nice message letting me know they had my keys. When I went to pick them up, they were wrapped nicely in a little bag and stored at the front desk.

It’s rare to find a place that combines great customer care with convenience and a strong selection of tools, hardware, and home essentials. Huge thanks to the team for always going above and...