I love this place! Today Ryan helped me with my vacuum head, it had a missing screw. He went was friendly and incredibly helpful. I always have a positive experience at Cole's read more

Attended the grand opening of the store on Saturday, and I"m even more excited about the store. Got to know some of the staff and I had my very own dedicated staff member who helped me with balcony gardening needs. Great addition to the neighborhood! read more

Well, had to come back and write another GREAT review of this Cole's Hardware on College in Berkeley. These people are so awesome. I mean EVERY SINGLE EMPLOYEE is helpful, kind, efficient and tends to EACH customer. This last visit I intersected with Emeilo (hope I spelled that correctly) so helpful and so nice - and when I told him how impressed I was with the employees at Coles he told me about how great the company was to work for and how great his coworkers are --- wow --- when do you ever hear someone says something like that (especially now during the Pandemic). In a previous review I mentioned how helpful Damian was and then someone named -- hmm something -- Saprino -- not exactly spelled correctly -- but, in that review think I neglected to mention someone named Ryan, also excellent in how he was helpful. Why am I taking up my time and the readers' time blabbing about these people:? This reason: because I am not a person who needs to go to a hardware store very often and when I do go, and have to stumble around trying to find some tiny purchase I hate to feel foolish and or made to feel foolish or discounted and this is something that NEVER happens at Coles. Plus, this store somehow makes one feel good about shopping there. Astonishingly, each employee seems to have the ability to make one feel a tiny bit more positive about life/shopping/interacting after one has interacted with the employee. Impressive. Thank you! read more

Times are tough and I TOTALLY Get it. I walked into cole yesterday like i do often because i live in the neighborhood. I have had issues with flat out RUDE employees here before, but was literally greeted at front of store and asked "what are you here for" and i said a light switch and toilet chain and was TURNED away because those were not essential enough for the door man. There are ways of saying things, and if you dont want to be open-- close. Im a business owner and my employees would LOVE the opportunity to work for an essential business right now. These people seem bothered to be at work, and it shows. If you dont want to work in public in these times (understandably) then quit or tell your employer. Customer service is everything and this place 100% lacks it. Whoever owns this place - invest in some customer service 101 for your folks. Itll go a long way. read more

The one star rating is to Ellen the manager and to my last customer service experience. I shop at Cole's once or twice a month for the random home improvement or gardening item. I'm in Rockridge once a week and I wait to buy what I need so I can shop there, and in the past, the staff has been very helpful and friendly. I like being AND SPENDING MY MONEY where I'm treated well or at minimum treated like a person. I was in the store a few weeks ago and I was completely disrespected and dismissed. I was returning an umbrella base that had broken twice. The first return was easy and painless. The second time, I called ahead as it was the second time I was returning the same item and I wanted to make sure it would not be an issue. I spoke with the manager Ellen who over the phone assured me it would be fine and that since I was a member bringing the original receipt was not an issue and that a staff member would help me find another base. I get to the store and IT WAS AN ISSUE. I was accused by the cashier that I had not purchased the item in their store and making me more and more frustrated as she communicated with Ellen about the return. She kept pushing buttons and could not process the return and many times requested to have Ellen come down from her office to help her instead of resetting the transaction from her office. And Ellen would not. She finally came down and I was flustered and I made a mistake when inserting my card and not sliding it and Ellen spoke to me in a manner that was aggressive and as if I was an annoyance. I left Cole's Hardware upset and attacked. Aside from the transaction at the counter, before I asked for a return and not an exchange I spoke with a staff member and I explained that I had spoken to Ellen and she offered to help me find another base, so the staff member called Ellen over the headset and she said no that Cole's only has one base. Then Ellen came to the staff member about another issue and never introduced herself to me as the person I spoke with over the phone and actually didn't even address me. I didn't know who she was until she finally came to help the cashier. I have been in the neighborhood a few times since and I can't get myself to walk in the store. That experience soured all of Cole's for me. read more

I love this store, the staff are helpful and they always have everything you need. Every time I've gone in Emile has helped me trouble shoot my most recent project, and even had his recommendations broken down by my budgets needs. Cannot recommend enough. read more

We had a broken sink fixture. Rather than try to repair it I figured it would be best to replace it. So my husband and I went to Cole Hardware in Oakland. They didn't have the part but a clerk said that we should wait to talk with Patricia--that she may have a good answer. After waiting for a few minutes, a lovely woman who must have been about 6'2" asked us how could she help. I showed her the part. This neighborhood hardware store is so small, they didn't have it. So she examined the part and ran her long shiny turquoise blue fingernail along the plastic threading. She said, "This is going to be a hard piece to replace. Look what I'm doing with my fingernail. See how I'm pushing the plastic threading back into place? You should do the rest with a butter knife--push the damaged threading back into place--like this. If you need to, use plumber tape." She went on to explain how not to ever overuse plumber tape. She was so nice. I thanked her and went home to give it a try. After dinner I futzed with the part and pressed the threading back into place with a butter knife. I couldn't find my plumbing tape so I gave it a try without it. And I fixed it! Good as new! Fedora tip to Patricia. What a treasure. I look forward to coming back to Cole's for future projects. Especially since she saved me about $80. All the more to spend at Cole's! read more

This is an amazing hard-Ware store that also appeals to children. There are a lot of toys and games etc. the customer service has been really wonderful. One woman helped extensively try to find a notebook for the young boy I babysit. We couldn't find it but she tried for a long time and even went downstairs to check. Great selection, a trendy little store, we love it! read more

Love this place. When I lived in the area 30 years ago, I loved it then. Went back to get some paint and advice on how to best work with aged furniture for it. Was accommodated for my deafness with people who make sure to look at me and repeat if needed. I love the supplies and the service. No complaints and parking was not that bad at all. read more

i once LOVED this store- i'd visit every couple of days- to support this store - but recently i was there for some items and asked why they didn't have a "stand w oakland teachers" sign they said they don't put signs of importance in their windows - which i have seen things in past- i let them know i would not support this store. sadly- i will not shop at coles rockridge bc i suppprt teachers AND MY NEIGHBORS in my community ... i will be standing in solidarity w/the teachers at claremont middle. a couple blocks away. -update- coles stands with oakland teachers!!!! read more

Welcome to the neighborhood! So glad to have a hardware store around the corner now, and it's even better that it's Cole! Super organized and great helpful staff, especially Jennifer! They also have very creative store window displays (I've always admired them at the SF store.) read more

They have almost everything a typical household will need and if they don't they can either order for you or tell you where else to get it. Super helpful staff. Excellent inventory. They have a rewards program so make sure you sign up for that during your first visit cuz chances are you'll be back again and again. Thanks Cole Hardware, for saving the day more than once! read more

damsel in distress: i could not find my wallet...HELP my last stop: cole hdwe.: could it be there? i called & talked to someone @ the register no, no wallet turned in... (it was too early!) teamwork: Jan rang the alarm for all employees: anybody seen Marcia's wallet??? YES! Juan, my hero, spots it & takes it to management who puts it into the safe; he tells Jan & Jan calls me to tell me the good news! YAY! Juan saved the day, spared me going crazy GOODNESS & KINDNESS above all forever grateful, marcia read more

I walked into Cole Hardware, complaining of a rusted and stripped, heavy-duty screw. I was ready to buy whatever I needed but when they didn't have the right thing in stock, Ryan came to my rescue. He first loaned me a piece (on the promise I'd return). When I came back saying, "It should have worked but this situation is MUCH worse than I thought," he took the entire project into his hands - literally. It apparently took 5 or 6 more tools I didn't have (some I had never heard of) and 30+ minutes, but Ryan fixed it himself! A massive thanks to him for going above and beyond! read more

Most of the staff is friendly. They always make sure your question gets answered whether it seems like they actually WANT to help you or not. Sometimes the shelves get bare, but understandably so- it's the only hardware store that I'm aware of besides Home Depot on the other side of town. read more

This place is awesome! Local but filled with all kinds of great stuff for the home. They carry Benjamin Moore paints unlike other hardware stores. And the service is great, lots of people to help out. read more

The extraordinary customer service I received from Jan this week, is the reason I keep coming back to Cole Hardware Rockridge. From helpful guidance over the phone, to a seamless purchase at the register, followed up with assistance to my car, Jan is Cole Hardware at it's best! She is a phenomenal example of brilliant customer service that is so hard to find these days. read more

After a not so successful trip to another hardware store, I was so grateful for the kind and helpful staff at Cole Hardware. Damion helped me out so much with replacing my screen door, and I couldn't help but notice how attentive and friendly he was to other customers while still assisting me. And Kelly, who rung me up, was also so friendly and gave me some advice for my project - it really made my morning. It's not often I leave a hardware store feeling happy and optimistic, so major props to Cole Hardware! read more

I just want to say a kind word about the folks who work at Cole Hardware. As a new homeowner, I have shown up there any number of times desperately needing some piece of hardware or some tool. The staff there has been just great to me, friendly, polite and helpful. Thanks, Cole Hardware! read more

Customer service is EVERYTHING. We came here where there is little parking and no other errands to support a smaller local business rather than Home Depot. Unfriendly, not even a thank you after we paid for our items. Basic courtesy is a fundamental part of business success. I can't imagine returning after this. read more

First I must say that Mary the manger is completely dedicated and organized. We were in a BIG emergency and she saved us. Our front door deadbolt lock failed, but it failed as we were locking the door, the barrel came out with the key, thus leaving us locked out of our home with practically no way to get back in!! How lucky are we that Mary is our neighbor. She went COMPLETELY out of her way to help us! read more

Damien was super responsive, resourceful, and efficient in assisting me. I appreciated the great customer service. Definitely will be back!

We have a rule in the house - If Cole Hardware doesn't have it, you don't need it. Not only is their stock really good and prices competitive, but their staff is super smart, always helpful and available to ask them just about anything. Used to work at hardware stores in high school and college, none were as good as Cole...you couldn't ask for better. read more

This place might be good, but last visit didn't show it. I was a little far from our local hardware store (Grand Lake Ace Hardware), so I thought I'd give it a shot. I went in there looking for a mask to filter fumes from contact cement. I was "assisted" by an older man (don't know his name) and he was not helpful at all. First, it took me a while to track someone down. Second, when I did he pointed me to where they keep the masks. Never once did he ask me what I was looking for or why. He didn't probably realize that I had already looked. So, after I had chased him (calling: sir, sir, excuse me sir), I said I needed a 3M 6001 filter. He looked puzzled and then abruptly said if it's not there we don't have it. Was the store busy? No. So, why the curtness? I must have high expectations. At Grand Lake Ace Hardware, there are a handful of folks trolling the store looking for people to help. When I go in there, I often have to say: "I'm good, I know what I need." Completely dissatisfied with my experience at Cole Hardware, I go to Grand Lake Ace Hardware the next day. What follows is how things should've went at Cole. Someone immediately makes contact: Employee: Need help? Me: Yes. I'm looking for a mask rated 3M 6001. Employee: [Looks on the shelf.] We don't have it. [He tells me to follow him.] Employee: Let me look in the catalog. Yes, we can order it, but it won't be here for three days. What do you need it for? Me: I need it to filter our fumes from contact cement. Employee: [We head back to the shelves. He scrutinizes the labels on available masks.] It says here that this mask is equivalent to 3M 6001. The mask worked great. I couldn't smell a thing. read more

incredibly helpful and went the extra mile. my car window got smashed and Damian, Stephen, and others helped me find a great temporary fix and did measurements and cut a plexiglass piece for me. again, very very helpful. read more

On a Sat evening I urgently needed to match a can of old Fuller O'Brien paint that is no longer made and whose contents had degraded too much to create a swatch for matching. Jan found the formula on her computer and mixed a can to match. She went to extra lengths to make sure it matched the residue on the old can's exterior. She also put some extra clips on the lid to make sure it wouldn't come loose in my car trunk, saying she learned from a previous incident. Conclusion - When dry, the new paint matched the old extremely well and her friendly professional attitude reminded me of why Cole has become my first choice. read more

I love having a neighborhood hardware shop. They have awesome happy hours where they serve a glass of wine and have good deals and sometimes cole themed swag. Well organized, friendly, neighborhoodly. The prices are higher than other places but I guess that's the price you pay for shopping local. read more

Love the store and staff. Kia is my favorite. She always looks out for me and helps with information about the masks and supplies to keep me safe. She is so polite with her Southern charm the reason why I come in because the store is not close to my house. read more

Really good store, great addItion to the neighborhood. I'm really glad this place worked out so well. Good hours, fair prices, staff is friendly and knowledgeable. If you live nearby, spend a little time here to figure out what they have and you'll probably find it preferable to getting home deliveries for these types of products. Bonus: they have some coupons and the rewards group works well. read more

This place has everything! I'm so happy to welcome them to the area. The prices are what to expect from the areas, but the selection is great. I was especially impressed by their garden section. Will definitely be back. read more

5 stars not for this overpriced hardware store catering to yoga moms but for it's staff. Xander helped me out big time when I needed a solution to a problem. He walked me through my options and then lent me a tool to get the job done. Supreme customer service. read more

I love cole hardware, this store is a great addition to the neighborhood. If I have any questions the staff is super helpful, especially Patricia!! I have had a few big projects and Patricia gave me great advice. read more

Ditto: "great local hardware store with exceptional customer service." I've always had a positive experience here: helpful, knowledgeable staff; great product range. I've always come away with the item I went there for. They carry a wide selection of hardware, as well as an exceptional range of household products, with some unique household items. It's clear that careful thought goes into sourcing and stocking the store. The employees are bright and seem to like their jobs (smart hiring). Parking on weekends is one block away at the BART lot; the location is directly off SR24, College Ave. exit (westbound). read more

I recently was told by an employee that customers are not allowed to use the restrooms in the store. I explained an urgent need and was told that the policy remained the same. He gave me a card and said I could write the company president. So, I did. I wrote an e-mail to the president of the company, Rick Karp, and received a reply within 18 hours. In his reply, Rick explains that the company maintains a fully ADA compliant restroom that is available for customer use. He further explained that he would personally instruct his managers to re-train employees in restroom access policy, and he apologized for my hardship - twice. Rick's letter read as sincere and heartfelt. It was copied to several others in the company - managers, I presume. I am extremely happy the response from Cole Hardware and from Rich as a person. It's clear that this sorely needed company intends not only to be a valuable addition to the neighborhood but a good neighbor as well. I'm very happy to have them here. read more

BUYER BEWARE................Purchased two ACE Flexogen 75' hoses on their one day 20% off sale at $44.99 less 20%. Came home to look them up on Acehardware.com and saw the price at $36.99 (99 cents more than Cole's discounted price) which one can pick up at a designated store anytime. I called and mentioned this discrepancy to Coles and they said I could either buy the $36.99 on line or their's at $36. Take it or leave it! I chose to leave it! A markup of over 21% from their own online site is something folks should be made aware of before making a purchase at this store. The sales staff is extremely courteous and helpful, but their manager, Bess, was intransigent and obviously not consumer friendly. AGAIN, BUYER BEWARE! FOLLOW ON: Thought the local customers might like to see Rick K's (Karp) response. He might have gotten confused the word "perspective" for the word "fact". "Hi John. Thanks for sharing your perspective. Sorry we let you down today. Rick My response to Rick: "Let down? You probably should re-read the review. Traded at your San Francisco store some 40+ years ago and was excited to see you closer to home in Rockridge. However, your sales practices and markups have really "let me down", so we'll go elsewhere from now on. Maybe, others will take a closer look and follow!" read more

The gentleman who works downstairs in hardware was quite rude. Otherwise the store was nice, but that was my first impression of customer service there, and it unfortunately ruined this visit for me. read more

I went in to look at some paint samples. Jan immediately asked how she could help. She was very helpful and provided great customer service.

Cole Harware exemplifies brilliant customer service. Trish and Mary are both excellent people to work with and truly put the customer first. I dont shop here often but whenever I do I am struck by the stark difference from Lowes or Home Depot. read more

Nostalgic, well-stocked and friendly service. I still prefer the OG store in Cole Valley but gotta be flex...

These guys are helpful and in spite of their size they have quite a selection of items. Sign up for their Friday specials. Recently I had left an item behind (one that I had paid for). With very few questions they gave me the benefit of the doubt and I got my left behind item. This is my fist stop for hardware. read more