Sunny Brae Ace Hardware

Been coming in here for 15 years. They have more or less the same stock as the Ace hardware store in Arcata, Hensel’s, but their service is much worse. And their return policy is much stricter than Hensel’s. I usually try Hensel’s first.

I would totally concur with Jane W’s review. The guys at Ace Hardware Sunnybrae are very unfriendly, unhelpful, and they always make me feel like I’m bothering them to come in and buy something. For awhile, after Jane’s negative review was posted, it seemed like they were nicer, but that lasted about 3 months. That’s over, they are as mean and misogynist as ever. I’ve walked in there and the men just stare at me as if to say, «What do YOU want now?» They don’t even say, «Can I help you?» like any halfway decent employee would do. The folks working at Hensel’s Ace Hardware in town are SOOOOO much more helpful, and they also try to help you problem solve, which has never happened at the Sunnybrae store. And they are friendlier, so it’s definitely worth the extra mile or two to drive there and not feel like you’re an idiot to ask any questions about the best product to use.
It’s too bad, because I used to love to go into this store when Larry owned it. He knew everyone’s name, was so helpful and friendly and always greeted you with a smile and enthusiasm. It was a real pleasure to walk into his store, and even my in-​laws liked visiting there because he remembered them from year to year and was so friendly. Too bad he’s not there anymore.
I would agree that the women in the Sunnybrae store are very nice and are not like the men.
This is not my personal opinion. I’ve talked to many people in the Sunnybrae area who hate going to this store because of the male staff. It’s almost become a joke with some friends about who has gotten the worst treatment.
I would give them less than 1 star, but that’s not available.

Terrific hardware store! Staff is very knowledgeable and always helpful.
Discount for seniors. Excellent selection. Good place to shop! i

I had a key duplicated here. The guy was courteous and the key works great! No complaints.

I would have to strongly disagree with the above review. It is also the closest hardware store to my house, but I find it to be ridiculously over priced, the people who work there (with the exception of the women employees who seem to be friendly) are grumpy, make you feel like you are annoying them if they have to get up off their stool they sit on all day and can rarely answer a question about anything! I have gone there for many years, but from now on, I go to any hardware store but theirs. Do It Best is my preferred store now. Hensel’s has friendly people, but is also (as it is another ACE) very over priced. The last time I was there, I wanted to purchase an outdoor chair to replace the one I broke. The color I wanted was on the bottom of their stack. I apologized ahead of time for asking them to get it and explained that I have a broken shoulder or would have done it myself. The man sitting there doing nothing, rolled his eyes at me, made a «Hmphhh!!! «sound and looked to the young lady behind him to do it. He didn’t even ask her nicely. He just tilted his head at her as if to say «You do it «and gave her no thank you. Overall, it’s a seriously negative attitude they have there. Worth the drive to town just to avoid the bad experience at Sunnybrae Ace.

This is the closest hardware store to my house, and I come here for just about everything I need. The people who work here are friendly and knowledgable and the prices are good.