Big Apple Hardware & Houseware

This little hardware store has what I need and if not they order it. The employees bring you to the product. The employee asked me what I needed an item for and he pointed out a better and cheaper one. I have never had to return a key here unlike other local hardware stores. I like when a key works on the first try. Although I am tempted to go to the big chains stores there is no reason to waist my time.

Interestingly enough Home Depot did not sell the hardware that I needed (pins for a door) and suggested I check out a hardware store. I looked up different hardware stores in the area and this was the only location that picked up the phone, was knowledgeable and had good store hours. The man who responded even told me the sizes of the pins they sell so I went home, measured it (3.5in), and came back the next morning! They open at 8am which was great for me!

It’s a small store with a lot of inventory. The shelves are stacked all the way up to the cieling and are not short person friendly. The fact that they have so much just makes the store seem cramped and cluttered. Some of the stock there looks like it has been there for ages, thought I must admit when we stopped in the did have exactly what we needed and the price was decent for a local store. Of course Home Depot or a chain store would have had the item a bit cheaper but we came here instead out of convenience.
The only other local hardware store would be Jere’s Hardware on Horace Harding Expressway which is quite a bit bigger but the prices are about the same. The employees at Big Apple are very familiar with their stock and know immediate if they have what you need and where it would be located. To us shoppers it may not seem very organized but at least the employees know where things are.
If you park in front you will need to pay the meter at peak hours but if you drive down that side streets in front of the houses then the parking is free if you can find a spot.

I’ve been shopping here for decades. It’s a great little «old school» neighborhood hardware store. They literally have EVERYTHING. I bet there are over 20,000 (!!!) items. Besides making keys and replacing screens, the have loads of lightbulbs, flashlights, electric and plumbing supplies and parts to fix closet doors and lots kitchen things and plenty of Duck Tape and WD-​40. They’re open 7 days a week and they’re good guys who are always helpful.

Rather than walking back and forth, I’m all about asking questions first. «Hi. Halogen bulbs and torx driver. Just the bit?». He looks over me and says, «we don’t have halogen bulbs» right as my eyeballs landed on them.
Uhm, ok whatever, I’ll order from amazon since they’ll probably rape my wallet anyway, I think to myself. But I want the torx screwdriver bc who knows where I put the one I just bought 3 weeks ago and I want it today.
So I continue «Oh ok… Torx? I have the 40. I need a 50 bit». We don’t have that. Now I’m confused so out of my pocket I hand him the 40 bit that I was going to leave in my car on the way up, «you don’t have this?». Oh that. We have that. Hands me a 40. Trying not to get annoyed I put my palm out to him, «THIS is the 40. I need a 50.» I even bite out a «please». He turns back around, and my short ass is tiptoe-​ing to see over his head which pisses me off at this point to no end because now I’m feeling really small and he’s being a condescending pig. I finally point, and say «that one. I need… That one. No next to that. Yes. That one».
Did I just walk into a lingerie store asking to buy a screwdriver? I’m a GIRL dammit. I need to learn about tools. You own the store! Why don’t YOU know??? Cripes.
They did have the toilet stopper that I wanted to buy so plus one for you, guy, for having it or I never would’ve remembered. Yay.

The place is clean and well stocked. They open early and the gentleman is very helpful…

Price Gouging!!! Beware! This is why big box stores are taking over. This «neighborhood» store marks up prices during a storm or disaster. You’ll save more money taking a cab and buying what you need at Home Depot. What a shame!!! It’s only a matter of time. Greed always loses.

Good enough in a pinch when you can’t get to a Home Depot.

Bad attitude. I ask for a price and comment that it is too high. The owner gave me the take it or leave it attitude. He is a very rude Muslim. no sense of professional customer service. I said to him that I will tell others about his bad attitude, and he say you can say whatever you want to say. Obviously he does not understand the power of internet and Unilocal,this is the kind of old school business manner that must be confronted. Business owners beware. Don’t think you can treat people unfairly and get away with it. The internet is making the world a level plain field. Get with it or be destroy.