Kelly’s True Value

Kelly’s is a good alternative to the larger hardware stores if you’re a local to the Newburyport area. Of course you end up paying more here than you would for the same thing in the larger stores, but it can be convenient and get you out of a bind if you’re working on a project. They do offer some good monthly deals on occasion that can be a better deal than the larger stores offer. Customer service here is what often makes shopping difficult for myself and others. Although the team of sales representatives are generally very helpful in answering your questions and helping you find what you need, a select few of the associates do not like you wandering around the store unsupervised by them. They will often have a tendency to tail and watch customers as if they suspect each customer’s intention is to shoplift. The select few associates that do this need to cease if they expect customers to want to patronize them. 3 stars for now until the issue with the sales associates is amended by management.

This place is funny. Either they follow you around like they think you’re going to shoplift something, or they totally ignore you. I recently went in for a simple shear bolt for a snowblower. No one would help me. They made me stand there and look up the part number on my smartphone. When I still couldn’t find an exact number they basically said I had to bring in the bolt that broke. Unfortunately it flew into a snowbank, so… rather impossible. They shrug their shoulders and said we can’t help you. Not exactly the type of hardware store I will frequent very often.

I have yet to stump them — and, I’m generally confusing as a person. Great, friendly staff of locals, that takes their time to help you out.

Kelly’s is the only hardware store I’ll go to! They’re friendly, professional, knowledgeable and, most importantly, they have everything I’ve ever asked for (unlike the big store competition!). They’re also the only retail store where the owner thanks me for my business every time I’m there! Highly recommended!

I was visiting Newburyport and bought a new grill cover for my daughter based on my recollection of the grill model and size, not actual measurements. It was too small, and I returned it unopened to exchange it for the correct model. The gentleman who «helped» me treated me like a 15-​year-​old criminal, as much as accusing me of opening the original box when I hadn’t and giving me the third degree about knowing all three dimensions before buying the cover. I’m 60 years old and have owned Weber grills and covers for over 35 years. My only mistake was taking a chance on the size initially, but one would think I had committed a crime the way I was treated. He (the owner??) has apparently been to Sales Prevention School recently and should be kept away from customers until the effects wear off.

Just what you would hope for in a local hardware store — great selection and a helpful staff. I find myself in here every few months and am always able to get what I need to finish whatever project I’ve started!

These people are not very nice. It is close though and there is no alternative.

My husband and I try very hard to patronize local businesses but this is one store that we avoid except in extreme situations.
One of the managers or owners treats women — both those who shop there and those who work there — in a very devaluing way. After witnessing this and being humiiliated by him in two consecutive shopping trips, I won’s set foot in that store again.
If we really want to buy something from a TrueValue Hardware store (sometimes the chain has a great sale or a unique product), we drive down to the TrueValue store in Beverly.

Very knowledgeable and helpful staff! Well-​stocked! This is a local business that has been in the family for three generations. They also operate an equipment rental business right next door. Lots of free parking and a very convenient location!