Royal Home Hardware & Building Supplies

I’ve used this hardware store pretty regularly over the years since Queen Lumber closed down. They don’t always have what I need, but I’ve always found them willing to order it and pretty helpful in solving problems. The cashiers are super friendly.

I recently moved and today went to my new local Home Hardware, Royal Home Hardware: 485 Parliament Street, Toronto, ON. I had a list of items and no idea where to look. An associate approached me and I asked for my first item. At this point a man sitting nearby, who was later identified as the manager (I asked for the manager to address the issue, but he was the issue!), adopted a snotty tone of voice and told me that I couldn’t need longer switchplate screws, as switchplates are only 3/​8″ thick (whomever installed my box installed it well back from the drywall). I started to argue, but frankly, I can’t be bothered. Toronto has many hardware stores eager for my business, as indeed I found after I left Royal Home Hardware.
As I regaled neighbours with the tale, They rolled their eyes and agreed that they’d also had poor experiences with that manager. I found another local (non Home) hardware store, they had everything I needed and were very pleasant, and I came happily home with my purchases. Home Hardware lost a pretty big spender today — I always have some sort of woodwork or reno project going on, and I have a new home to paint and renovate!

I have never had a good experience in this store and stop going in a few years ago most recently I needed to buy something there and of course came across the same situation as I did a few years ago trying to find a store associate #1 -#2 when I did my experience was the same– Associates working in the store, miserable unfriendly and acted like they were doing me a favor I was dealing with a heavyset gentleman who look like he was having a bad day. I was going to ask him if he was having a bad day, If you’re having a bad day please don’t take it out on me or your customers. Not friendly not helpful and I didn’t end up buying what I needed because I was so frustrated with him, personally I’m not going back there ever.

Reasonable and friendly. I just wish they had later hours during the work-​week.

I just love this store. The staff are super knowlegeable & NICE, especially to us gals who sometimes need a bit more help. Someone even helps me strap awkward loads onto my bicycle when necessary. The prices are comparable to the large chains, which I avoid.
Shopping here is always a pleasure, & one of the reasons Cabbagetown is such a great place.

In my never ending quest to collect Aeroplan I have ended up at places which I would say are not in desirable area (read I would only go there if I have to).
I walked in and I saw too long winding lineups at the cash registers. A smallish store more like a neighborhood place to serve your needs. Things are packed tight with stuff going all the way up to the ceiling.
Never mind I was here to get some keys replicated and other stuff.
I had to look for an associate and typical of this store was being chased by other customers. Patiently I waited for my turn. The associate was polite and took time in helping me out.
There was slight wait at checkout but I got the most important reason for coming here Aeroplan Points!
With the alternate being bigger (Canadian Tire) but with poor service I can say if you are in the area I wouldn’t mind coming here.

I went into the Royal Home Hardware today because every year at this time, my house fills up with giant flies. I don’t know why. There’s no garbage or rotting stuff and to be honest, the flies aren’t that interested in anything in particular. They just fly around and rest on the walls and ceiling.
In any case, I’m kind of annoyed that it’s 2011 and we haven’t really made any advancements in fly repelling and capture over and above those sticky paper tubes that are unsightly and gross.
I was disappointed but browsed around some more and ended up picking up a new light for my bike (because someone stole mine and then I was stopped by the police for not having one). One of the guys who worked there asked if I needed help and gave me some advice about how to get the mount thing for my old light off (the screw is rusted).
That’s actually the main reason I like to go here. The people who work here kind of remind me of my dad. They know all about all manner of handy things and tell me all about them which is nice because my dad lives in Vancouver and I sometimes need my fill of handy dad advice.
It’s also pretty close to my house and it’s not the Canadian Tire at Bay and Dundas (that whole area makes me anxious!)

If you are going to close your store early you should update your phone recording. I ran out of epoxy for a job I needed to finish up. I called the store in the afternoon and listened to the recording that said the store was open until 7:00 pm on Wednesdays which was great as I would have enough time to get there after work.
When I walked up to the store at 6:15 pm I was greeted by locked doors and a sign saying that the store had closed at 1pm that day and wouldn’t re-​open for another day-​and-​a-​half.
I understand that stores need to close outside their regular hours periodically for repairs or to do inventory but remember to do the easy things like updating your phone recordings.
On a different note: Get some cashiers who actually like their jobs. The staff on the floor are always friendly and helpful but the cashiers barely say hello, nevermind doing the extra things like asking if you have an Aeroplan card or would like a bag for your purchase.