When a large business with competing products came into our area, I wondered what the fate would be for this small neighborhood hardware store. Time has proven that excellent customer service, good value, and knowledgeable staff has continued to draw me to my neighborhood Ace Hardware. They have hard-to-find products that one cannot find in the larger chains. I can also get in and get out quickly. They have a sizeable garden area with a nice selection of plants and the gentleman who works there is very knowledgeable about their care. As an aside, they have their own resident cat, Cotter, who is about 17 years old. She is usually sleeping on the checkout counter, in the garden, or on one of the store's shelves. - Joan Gnagy Campbell