Cheri wrote:

Personally, I choose Ace Hardware over the big box stores. Every time
I'm in Lowe's, there is no help available, and if they're available,
they usually don't know what you're talking about. Same thing with
Orchard Hardware Supply. In my town there is a very small Ace
Hardware, and every time I go there, they are very helpful, go with
you to show you the item, and discuss the pros and cons with you. They
usually have the everyday things that I need for repairs, and they're
even cheaper. I find myself shopping there all the time now, do others
like Ace better, or are you more into the big box stores? I'm curious.

--
Cheri

As others have noted, the big box stores have more convenient hours and
generally better prices. The more competent staff and the advice you can
get from them at the small hardware stores may well be worth the price
and convenience premium to some folks. For those of us who know what we
need and don't need any advice, the savings and convenience of the big
box stores wins out. For any given project beyond a simple repair,
neither the big box stores, nor the small hardware store will have
everything you need, so you'll still have to visit the specialty stores
to round out the project.