by raimundo » 16 Aug 2005 10:38
To clear up chrispys question about Ace Hardware, what it is actually is a nationwide chain that has sold franchises to the older hardware stores, and but others out of business, it sells hardware on the soviet planned economy model, there are only a few types of files available at this store, and they are ordered and distributed by the millions,
the effect is that a lot of tools that were once carried by various hardware stores are no longer available, you cant even get the old fine grade sandpapers. While old hardware stores were fun just to look around in an learn these Ace hardware stores limit the selection, and while an old hardware store might have some obscure item on the shelf for 20 years before someone came and bought it, if it stays on the shelf at Ace for a year, the computer tabs it for elimination.
That said, there is another difference between inner city hardware stores, and suburban hardware, the inner city store will have a specialty in fixer parts for old plumbing and other household fixtures, while the the suburban one will try to standardize all plumbing to one type, and emphasize the type of lawnmowers that could easily be converted to scooter chairs for the handicapped or fat people. the big money is in the suburban hardware stores, while the inner city hardware stores are the type that are family run for 3 generations.
