If the little corner hardware stores are what everyone prefers, why are they closing down? Surely strong customer support goes a long way in dictating the success or failure of a business?
Personally I'd rather drive an extra 5 minutes to buy from a Bunnings or a large hardware chain, than any of the three 'little corner' hardware stores near me. For a starters all three of the independent hardware stores have different opening / closing hours and none are open on Sunday's. Having a busy lifestyle, opening hours of 7.00am till 9pm during the week and closing at 5pm on weekends is appealing and convenient. I've found that the smaller stores have limited range, and before Bunnings in our local area I'd often have to travel to at least two smaller stores to get what I need for a weekend project. Without a doubt the smaller stores are more expensive. Sure, I may be able to buy 10 individual rivets from the smaller hardware store, but why would I do that when I can buy a pack of 50 from Bunnings for the same price?
So far as service, they are about the same. Smaller stores have less staff to provide service than the larger ones, so the waiting times for advice or service the same IMO. In reflection I've had more issues trying to claim warranties or to return damage goods at the smaller stores, than the larger ones - I've never been questioned and cross examined at Bunnings when returning a faulty piece of electrical equipment like I was at a smaller store. The same type of part time teenagers that work at the local stores, are the same type I find at Bunnings. There were comments made in this thread about Bunnings employment not being a career choice, but a good portion of staff at my local Bunnings have been the same old faces for at least 5 years or so, so it must be a good source of employment for some I assume.
Similar level of service, restrictive opening hours, lack of range and more expensive - tell me again why I should support my local hardware store?
