B & B Hardware

The go-​to hardware store on the Westside. I have fond memories back in the 80s, searching for some random part my grandfather needed — and guess who always had it?
Unfortunately they have had to cut their inventory quite a bit in recent years… but I still felt it necessary to give them a 5 for the decades they existed before Unilocal.It will be a sad day indeed when they shutter completely.

Place is a mish mosh of crap all over… there’s hardware stuff for sure but there’s also crap like tshirts for sales. It basically looks like a thrift shop that is dabbling in hardware. Guys are pretty nice but time for an update before all the regulars go to Home Depot which is not even that far from this place.

Updated Review: they’ve reopened with a new paint job.

Always helpful service. They go the extra mile to make sure you are taken care of. Def will be back.

It is shop-​warn and sometimes dirty but no Home Depot, Lowes, Orchard or any other sparkling spacious big box has what B & B has… soul. There is always someone in the store who can answer ANY hardware related repair question. I am a certified tool wielding moron
and can do more damage than a 8.1 earthquake but I’ll try anything knowing that I jump into the car, drive to B & B tell my story and get straightened out and get a name to call when I mess up the next set of instructions! Try that at Home Depot…
When B & B closes, my home is for sale… God Bless B & B!

Well they had what I needed but it did look like stock was limited A lot of shelves empty. The man who helped me was very nice

Love B&B! They’re super nice, helpful, and accommodating!
I went in today to get melamine board custom cut with curved edges and they did it with no hesitation and it came out perfect. Home Depot wouldn’t even cut melamine at all!
Thanks B&B, you’re definitely the best go-​to hardware spot in town! :)

This was *THE* hardware back in the day. It reminded me of hardware stores when I was a kid, the kind of place that had something for everyone. It was busy and bustling with life — it just felt creative and cool.
I went in there the other day just to look for a couple of items (one being a combination lock, which they didn’t even have) and I actually had to ask one of the guys working if the place was on its last legs and if they were going out of business (he said «No» but you could have fooled me).
I was literally startled when I walked in because the store looked like it had been gutted.
I would always much rather shop at a store like this than Home Depot. I love supporting smaller, local businesses.
B&B Owners & Staff: I used to love your hardware store. But either *get inspired* and figure out a way to inject some life into this place again, or do everyone a favor and just put the tired horse down, already.
It’s depressing to see.

Needed a key and this place is cheap and makes good copies. 75c for a key.
The place is really old and REALLY needs an update. I used to enjoy its funkiness but now it’s just plain OLD and DIRTY. Really worn, funky floors. They have a lot of stuff but it’s not fun to be there anymore.
Hey B&B you REEEEALLY need an upgrade. But thanks for the key.

Does anybody actually know what happened? What’s the real story? I mean, I know that the management changed some time back — but who, and why all the self-​mutilation? What’s really going on here? It’s just bizarre.
As a small business owner myself, I know that building an «audience» is a painfully slow but generally steady process. Relationships are your real business «capital», not your equity. Losing your customer base — and by extension the word-​of-​mouth — is effortless; while winning them back takes an enormous investment in marketing and pricey outreach. Just opening your door to better stock or brighter smiles accomplishes almost nothing. In fact, it’s harder than for new business development, because now you have to overcome a bad reputation, a bad taste in people’s mouths. Everybody in the neighborhood now knows that B&B hardware is a barren, depressing experience. We all recall what it was like and prefer to remember it that way.
Why on earth did B&B throw all that away? Did they think that decimating their expenses would somehow yield profits? How they are still here, I have no idea. But they are. So if they are serious about being around much longer, they do well to get a marketer (a good one, not just a cheap one), and be prepared to get out into the neighborhood (First Fridays, farmers markets, U.S. Mail, whatever works) and give away a lot of free stuff — goods and services surprises, treats and offers — just to get noticed. Especially in 2015. Customers need a sense of passion, freshness, creativity and generosity. (Don’t underestimate the importance of the latter two. Cynical glossy 10% off coupons will get you nowhere, just more in the hole.)
B&B has no idea how lucky they are to exist — for any business to make it another day. Somebody must have some play money in the bank to keep this bust afloat. It’s kind of an insult to the rest of us who are really trying. Come back to us.
–b
P. S. The «gee sorry» response to my previous Unilocal review is emblematic. Better than an argument, I suppose.

Fernando was incredibly helpful!

Well I thought I’d give it another try. The manager told me they were working on it and we’re adding to their stock every day. I went in today for three very basic items that any hardware store should have, and they were out of all three. once again my visit to this empty shell was a complete and total waste of time.
I understand there was a change over and they are trying to build back inventory but hear me now and believe it later there will not going be any customers left if they keep sucking at this level.
My advice to everyone is don’t even bother. Go to Home Depot go to Orchard Supply, but don’t waste a second on this empty shell of its former glory.

They have gone downhill. Very little inventory. Employees are hard to find. I had to have an auto key made 4 times til they cut one that worked. Times must be tough for them. I was so disappointef the last time i was there. Their lock dept used to be firdt rate inclufing rekeying locks.

I, too, had been a looonggggg time customer of B & B… starting in the early 1970’s. I, too, can verify that with little inventory to speak of, the store being open at this point is an enigma.
In the two times I’ve been inside the location in the past four weeks, it appears that «remodel» work or «restocking work» has ceased. There is very little merchandise left on any shelves. The great electrical supply department they had is non-​existent.
The part of the store that contained the key department/​fasteners section is closed off and gone. An employee told me that it will not be a part of the store any longer.
In its present condition, I find it strange that they are still open and have employees working there. Having said all that, I was able to still buy a loose ⁵⁄₁₆^th hex wrench out of a metal box they have at the old «tool counter» for just $ 0.29 cents.

I recently visited this store and was disappointed 2 customers, 2 assistants, 1 register person, what happened to all the knowledgeable personal that kept all the customers coming back and the store is getting smaller, this place must be under new management that does not know how to cater to the very people that pay their bills

The staff are characters and that adds to its charm.
Large selection of items I found all I needed apart from one and lady at counter was very helpful.

The people at ACE hardware send me here for a special order door handle for a sliding glass door. This place was a little hard to find, but I eventually did find them.
It’s seems like they have been here since the 50’s and it shows, but they do not lack customer service at all. Above all they didn’t have my part, but knew who to call and order it for me. They took the time to help me and investigate my problem. I really have respect for what this place is doing and the time and care they offer to their customers.
Great find!

Keep the faith. There is much frustration through the transition, but your business MUST restock and apply some of your products on displays, paint walls, get some flooring, add some lighting. Put out a Call To Action for public assistance, make it a televised contest, anything but please restock! Resuscitate B&B; you’ll always be 5 stars to me!!! I love this store. It will remain my hardware store until one of us dies. Love, Kittysmack

I stopped by B&B and was shocked to see that they are still open and operating. It is a shell of what they used to be. Very little stock (even the basics). Very sad as they used to be such a vibrant business. You might want to call before you drive down here to see if they have what you need.

By far for the scariest spot I would ever go to for a hardware store.
Yes. it is run down. I don’t think it’s in the best area of town.
Umm… they look like they are out of stock of almost everything. And when you leave, they don’t even have bags. Well they do. reused from other places. They handed me an Albertson’s bag.
I probably wouldn’t ever go myself…