On 28 Feb 2007 11:00:49 -0800, "Olebiker" wrote:

I don't share her nostalgia for hardware stores though. Give me an
orange or blue Borg any day. I want to be able to buy what I want
when I want it at a reasonable price without some wholesaler adding an
unnecessary layer of cost to the item.

Yes and no. There was a local hardware store that only recently went
out of business because Lowes went in 2 blocks to the west and Home
Depot about 2 blocks to the north. They were really nothing special,
their prices were higher, but occasionally, they had things that
neither Lowes nor HD carried and when you need something now, they
usually had it in stock. Sure, you paid through the nose for it, but
I repaired a lot of plumbing there because I couldn't get the parts at
HD or Lowes.

Now, they're a thrift store. They couldn't compete. I don't think I
really miss them but the next time my ancient plumbing has a problem,
I just might.