Ace Hardware Store

I really like that store.I understand your point upon entering the store. About 75% of the time I go there are at least 2 associates near the entrance chatting. They are deeply engrossed in their discussion and ignore those entering. I typically have an associate reach out later, after I'm deep in the store (probably looking lost) and ask if I need assistance.My suggestion would be to coach the associate(s) at the entrance to focus on customers entering the store, greet them promptly, then point them in the right direction or to another associate.

Genesis : Also sounds like Lowe's.

Genesis : pretty sure he's helped me too. One lazy employee expected three, unacceptable.

WORROW :
Well then, you can certainly shop at Ace, Kingwood & blow your budget all you want!
I was merely pointing out the fact that convenience can come with a steep price.
I certainly didn't have to provide that awareness.
So go ahead, SPEND all your little heart's desire!

BigBruno : I was thinking the exact same thing!

As even a Possible customer, and a hardware store when there are places like Home Depot and Lowe's within minutes, it would be best if management told them to look at you, smile and acknowledge your presence; at least say" good morning. Let us know if you need any help." Customer Service 101 Basics!

I absolutely hate when I step into a store and a salesperson approaches me immediately and asked if they could help me find something. Lol I just stepped in, let me look around.
Years ago Merry go round (yes I am dating myself) would do that. I would usually say, I haven't even seen anything yet and usually walk out. Nordstrom treated me horribly. I was looking for an outfit for a Vegas wedding. I searched and searched while the salesperson came up and I explained what I needed. Mind you I had a Harley tank and my ripped jeans on, my usual shopping the mall clothes . She took one look at me and my tats, said, maybe you should shop elsewhere. I said excuse me? Is there a manager here? The manger saw us having a tense conversation and walked over. I explained what she said and she was told to go on break and offered her assistance. I explained, I don't care how much it cost, I was looking for something I would be able to dress up or down for my sales job. I sell advertising so it's got to be workable. We hunted the racks and she found me this really nice seafoam green pants suit. The jacket was bedazzled but not over done. It fit like a glove. I made my purchase. As I was walking out she was reaming that chick out. Lol I made way more money than her, my dh was a stockbroker and I let everyone know. A bunch of us wives and girlfriends would occasionally shop together. Every time we saw her, we waved as we walked past.
I purposely dress in rags when I shop.
A few years ago the lady in Dillard's shoe department kept leaving me to wait forever for a different shoe. Basically throwing a shoe box at me and leaving. I had to hunt her down. I bought nothing. I wanted 3 or four pairs. I left them, walked across the isle to the lancome counter and bought $1,600 of product. As I was thanking the young lady, I noticed the shoe bag standing there with her mouth hanging open. We then went to the men's department and dropped another $500. I bet that old bag was thinking what commission she lost.

@ BigBruno: I'm truly a victim of current marketing ploys & all the psychological tricks that big corporations like Ace employ to separate unsuspecting customers from the very most amount of money that they possibly can.
Shopping at a " Hardware " store, in the past, literally meant nuts & bolts & similar hard ware.
Creative geniuses at the stop have discovered that a whole bunch of SUCKERS wander in & get mesmerized by all sorts of colorful, beautiful, gotta have stuff that they never intended to buy in the first place.
Fortunately for you, you're smart enough to recognize those flashy, additive marketing techniques & don't fall SUCKER to them!!I, on the other hand, am truly a victim & realize it after the fact & then have to return the item traps.
Ace is now very critical of what's returned & some salespeople can be very judgmental & can reject a return, seemingly at their discretion.
Buyer beware.

SWHNotary :
uh oh,..............here we go !!

Aussiedream :
Exactly, you & @ BugBruno are fortunate & smart enough not to fall victim to all those big marketing tactics.

LandCExp : More expensive than big box stores, yes, but also quite convenient if you are in the bubble. Kind of like going to HEB over Walmart.

LandCExp : Yes, we are. Thank you.

Ruger5 :
You know Ace employs a lot of special needs teens…. Right?