One thing I want to add.
Ace's are usually 1/5th the size of the big boys, but oddly enough, you can find what you need at an Ace. And IMO, it's because they have certain overlapping hardware bits and ends organized in certain spots better. Like all your fasteners, bushings, nuts, bolts, screws, hooks, brackets, etc... all organized (unless you have a lazy Ace that hires cute 19 year old know-nothings to prance around over the gurus they used to have, as if they were running a Dairy Queen or something).
I know stores sell space to brands to cover areas without competitive interference, which is why you have the same exact sourced parts covering 4 aisles, with 4 prices and 4 different packages/brands. But if these places managed to streamline part sections better, fix the layouts, then you wouldn't have employees with years of handy-person experience running around trying to figure out if some part can be found in plumbing or electrical, when it has a multipurpose application and you need it for the garage. That 55 year old ex-foreman with 30 years of experience building houses wouldn't be annoyed at ever person looking for a $1.29 packet of washers. Go into an Ace, 9 times out of 10 you can spend 2 minutes and find the little section on your own and be in and out, vs 15 minutes at *any* of the big stores.
IMO, while they think it makes them more money, long run, it's self destructive.
Also, I miss Handy Andy. 25+ years ago the majors here were Builders Square vs Handy Andy. I'm glad Builders Square is gone, because they were a rip-off, but Handy Andy, especially in the 80's, were as good as big home centers ever got IMO. Too bad they switched up their quality model, for a build fast model... totally bankrupted them.
