Osborne Hardware isn't just a hardware store, it's an institution. The hardware store has been in…read morethe family for many generations--I don't know how many, but I've seen old invoices from the 1800s on the Internet. In fact, until the early 1900s, the name of the town was Osborne's Ford, after an ancestor who settled here in the 1780s. This is a deeply rural area, and in the past, people depended on hardware stores for all kinds of products in addition to hardware--such as cooking vessels and other necessities. Osborne's was close to the railroad track, and providing goods that the townspeople required was a special responsibility. And if their ancestors were anything like the current Osbornes, I imagine it was a responsibility they took very seriously. Though the products sold now are not as varied as back then, Osborne & Sons still provides many of the essentials in this little town, everything from nails by the pound to garden plants to large appliances. And if the store doesn't have it, Phil or Luke Osborne are willing to order it for you if they can. Plus the store is just a fun place to visit. I sometimes have young farmworkers from afar help out on my homestead in the summers, and many of them come from urban settings and have never seen a store like Osborne's. To a one, they love it. As I said, it's an institution and a vital part of this area's history. And it's a bit like stepping into the past, in a good way. Being there recalls times when retailers and customers had relationships built on mutual trust: You were shopping with neighbors, after all. And that's still true.

I had a wonderful experience of employee customer service. I was at customer service to get a rain…read morecheck for ferns at the Wise Va. store. The employee was named Cara, nickname Ratman. she was the only one working customer service and had several in her line. Two elderly ladies were in front of me and were struggling with the bill. Cara waited patiently on these ladies attempting to understand their issue. She tried several options on her computer and was finally able to figure out what was going on. She first thought they needed to call Lowes Credit but recognized they would have difficulty doing that and stating the need. Cara made some calls, got more info from the ladies and straightened it all out. I was impressed. Next while she was waiting on me, she also was waiting on a gentleman who was very impolite. His few words were I need my money back for some items he was returning. She greeted him warmly, as she did me, but he brushed it off. After she gave him his money back she wished him a good day and he never responded. He counted all the returned money in front of her, never saying a word. As he was leaving, she wished him a very good day again, to which he never responded and walked off. To me, I witnessed the best customer service by Cara going above and beyond her position on both ends of the spectrum. She never gave up on servicing the elderly ladies and was most friendly to the gentleman who was rude. By the way, she was excellent with me and meeting my needs. She needs to be recognized by her manager.

Lowes is the best place they always have had my back i have always loved how people there are so…read morekind and friendly treating us minorities with the respect we deserve

I have only been there a few times, but the folks that work there are friendly, knowledgeable and…read moreeasy to deal with..and if you live in a mobile home, Let me just say this..this place is a MUST for parts and services. IM hoping to find some used windows for a new shop Im building...

The people at builders' hardware are great. They will help you find what you need and help load it…read moreup. Prices are just as good if not better than at a big store and they deliver.

Worst place ever. High prices and rude people. Owner is rude to customers and staff. Surprised they…read morecan even stay in business with their prices. Definitely will not be back

This place has a little of everything. Cast iron cookware, outdoor fire pits, garden tools, etc…read moreFriendly people, with a hometown feel.

Did a great job installing an over the stove microwave. Prompt, nice, good price. Highly recommendread more

Dave is the best. He is so helpful and a genuinely nice person. So happy to have found him. Will…read moredefinitely use him again anytime I have something that requires his services.

Finally had time to swing in for a bite. As expected the staff is friendly. Eating at the…read moremakeshift lunch counter is a little nostalgic. Good crowd of folks flowing through and choices from burgers to fish.

Didn't have what I needed but it was a pretty unique item. For 90% of hardware needs this place…read morewould be fine. A little pricey though.

Lowe's clerks in the store were helpful and Lowe's had what I neeFed. However, the company they use…read moreto outsource installation was horrible! We had scheduled appointments for installation on three separate occasions. All 3 times the company missed the installation appointment! Twice they did not even call and on the third appointment the installation person called to inform us we lived too far away from his house and he was not working late on a Friday! We have always used Lowe's, but after this experience will not use them again. by

I waited in the paint department for 15 minutes. Whoever was working in that department was paged…read moretwice. No one showed. I then went and asked a group of 4 employees who were standing together. One of them responded by saying, "well I don't know how to mix paint?" Seriously. That's it. A Not my job response. Really disappointed