On Fri, 10 Aug 2007 15:30:37 -0400, Dave Smith
> wrote:

>Felice Friese wrote:
>>
>>
>> Not quite! You will find it hard to believe, but I have an old-fashioned
>> hardware store right on Newbury Street in Boston's Back Bay. It's a tiny
>> store, a half flight up over a chic restaurant, and it has clerks who will
>> take you around and find what you need if you're DIY-impaired. It's like
>> stepping back into my childhood.
>>
>
>I have several small hardware stores where I get excellent service and
>quality products. While their stock is limited, they have the basics for
>home repairs. Better yet, they will tell me what I need and even show me
>how to do it. The best one is in my little down and it is run by two
>women. They really know their stuff. Even better, being women and from a
>small town, they know most of their regular customers and will solicit
>advice from them. I few months ago when I was doing a small plumbing job
>and ran into trouble, she grabbed the local handyman and had him tell me
>what I needed. The one in the next town is pretty good. I get all my keys
>cut there. They have never failed me.
>
>I always make sure to go to these places first. If I don't, the big useless
>stores are going to put them out of business and I will be screwed. The
>extra little cost is a bargain considering the free advice I get.

this is something that people should bear in mind, but frequently
don't. and when the big box has driven all the small places out, it's
too late.

your pal,
blake