A Tool and His Money…read more
Founded in 1927 by William W. Grainger as a motor distributor, but has now grown to a worldwide company that sells a myriad of professional-grade hardware operates in the US, UK, & Japan.
With nearly 600 branches and 33 distribution facilities, Grainger serves the true professional tradesmen with great customer service, good prices, and huge warehouses. The latter of which is important because even if the store is out, they can usually get it from their distribution center with a day or two, at worst.
The Good:
*App and website are both really good for shopping; the website,in particular, has some really wild search options.
*Staff is always helpful and efficient
*Much better selection of equipment and tools than the big box guys.
*You can order straight from the app or website and pickup, or just show up and tell them what you're looking for, and they'll go to the back warehouse and retrieve it. Imagine that? Not having to wander around aimlessly, mouth wide, and actively looking for someone in an orange apron to help out.
The Meh:
*Only one location in the South Bay and only three on the entire Bay Area. This location is a little far for most, as it's in a random industrial neighborhood in far North San Jo.
*The biggest difference btwn Grainger and the other hardware stores is no garden section and no lumber.
The Ugly:
*Hours kinda suck (M-F only, no weekends) compared to the more popular, consumer-oriented hardware stores.
Conclusion: Great place for professionals to get their gear, but also available for layman or do-it-yourselfers.