Waters Ace Hardware — Local services in Swansboro

I love to repair old things and make then new again, and sometimes the things I need to fix them, one just can't find in the big box stores that determine their inventory on the volume of their sales, and profit margins. That's OK... in my community we have a store like what I grew up with long ago... where customers still matter, humans ring up your order, they get to know you by name... and if you can't find it... they usually do for you. If you can think of it, from handles to wheelbarrows, pumpheads to birdhouses, local grass seed that actually grows to any type of pair of plyers you need... they probably have it. Not in the huge volumes the big box stores carry, but easy to reach, on organized shelves and pegs, without having to walk for miles to find the item one wants or needs. They always have a handy staff on the floor ready to help, and knowledgeable of their inventory. They are friendly, and even provide a tip or two when you need a little guidance... like when I almost bought the wrong grass seed for my yard.. and they explained to me a better choice... and by golly... it worked!! When I was a child growing up you could get a soda in a glass bottle or a hand dipped ice cream cone at the counter while waiting on getting your knife sharpened... Guess what!! At Waters Ace Hardware in Swansboro.... YOU STILL CAN!!! Today the value of my locally owned and operated hardware store really came home to me in a very simple way. I had a handle break off the lid of a vintage pot. Since I had to pick up some wood, I figured I would see if I could get a replacement at the big store across from the big grocery in Cedar Point.... That was a mistake. "You want a what for a what?!" Well yeah... I do... some folks fix things you know. He didn't even point out what aisle they had knobs and handles on. SHEESH!! But when I walked in to my local Waters Ace Hardware... first I got a hearty, "Welcome back John Michael what can we help you with today?" The clerk walked me right back to the rack and we found the perfect knob for my pot lid... It was only fifty cents.... When I picked up a couple of other things and made my way back up to the counter... I had a real human who rang up my purchases... and a real human scooped the ice cream out of the freezer to put into the cone for my butter pecan ice cream cone... and a real human bagged up my purchases for me. That's service... something the big box seems to have forgotten with its automated tellers where the customer has to ring up and bag their own purchase... So hats off to the little store that provides a whole lot more... and values the customers it serves.... They've been taking care of my needs for a lot of years... and they were here before the big box got here... and I have a funny feeling that they will still be here when that big box without cashiers is long faded away. If you haven't checked them out... check out Waters Ace Hardware in Swansboro... it will be...

This place could be an historical location.... Though seriously staff knows every item And its purpose , In most cases can offer instructions.. Or a referral. They're my ' go to' . I drive as far as I need to to get to this particular store in Swansboro on Corbett. I've been using them for years, they've never let me down. I actually know exactly where to go and find what I need and I still find little treasures that I can use around the house. Plus, they are there to instruct me and guide me. Take the time to spend a few minutes at Ace Hardware & Meet some really great people that live in that community that take pride in their work! I went in for a kitchen Tool and ended up discovering a leather conditioner _ at a fabulous price.. and they backup all of their products! Again .. Ace Hardware - enjoy your experience and deal with some wonderful people ... get in-and-out quickly ,free parking ,wonderful service, visually you can't miss it _ Easy access &...

Nice and helpful staff. Had everything I needed.

UPDATE!!! I had a part go bad on my AC and removed the part and took it with me to the store to get a replacement. As soon as I asked if they had the part the older lady at the counter immediately began saying no returns on electronics, no returns, no returns! I stated I understand that but wanted to know if the part was indeed the same as I brought in. The one they had had a different part number. But the only response was no returns! I again asked if the part was the same and got the same dang response no returns! I was just about to leave without making a purchase when a different employee asked the younger owner if they were compatible. He came to the rescue and said indeed they were. The part number had an additional number in it because of a different manufacture. I try to shop with the smaller guy but this woman was rude...