People there are always nice but this goes out to Corey who worked in the key area. He helped me with a doorhnob and he was awesome. I made 3 trips because I'm not good at this stuff but he totally helped me. Doorhnob is good and it's all thanks to Corey. I don't think I would ever get that service at a big place like Home Depot or whatever other places like that. That s why I go to this place and will for anything. I miss places like this where people actually help and care. Thanks Corey, you're awesome. read more

Love this store . So silly , but it's stocked well & have the best and most helpful staff . We just attended a big Green egg event , surprisingly informative and fun . Kitchen wares , plumbing , lighting , plants , paint , keys , locks , many cleaning / finishing products . Electrical items , Tools Many Grills , pits , Green Egg items , accessories and other essentials . As others said , it's the service , the advise & the way the staff interact with each other , they are customer driven . Funny , a hardware store would feel so welcoming & exciting , but this one does . I also love the location in larkspur , " Corbet's " Ace as well, great store , not quite as fun as Pini . Hats off to the buyers & the managers that hire such good people , and retain them . And bring in a wide variety and quality merchandise You guys are making it happen !! Thank you , for being so fantastic !!! Bravo !! Cheers !!! read more

Why retail will never die: friendly folks dressed in red who know where everything is. If you need something for your house right now, go here. read more

I will begin by retracting my harshness below, because Cindy made things right after a call from my wife and a second trip, but I am still irritated. I've moved it to 2 stars, but it never should have happened. I rated one star because we have always liked Pini's in the past. Our experience this morning changed that and moved it from a 5 down to one. If there was a fractional star, I'd have used that. We went yesterday to buy a spatula, knowing we had a $5 coupon. When we arrived at checkout, we couldn't find it. No problem. We'll bring it tomorrow. Next day: special trip to the store to return and exchange or apply coupon. Sorry. Against policy. But I could just return it and then apply the coupon by buying it again? Sorry. Can't do it. Against policy. Seriously? It's a $5 coupon sent because we've been loyal customers since 2005. Sorry. Against policy. But can't help you. Here is a classic case of POLICY TRUMPING CUSTOMER and it is a shame. I'll drive the 10 miles to Home Depot from now on. Bad decision, Pini's. We grow our businesses one customer at a time. We lose them the same way and the only difference is this: This review will post on YELP, ANGIES List, Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and I will make it a point to share it with at least 10 friends who used to shop at Pini's Ace Hardware in Novato. Why on earth would any business want to alienate a client who has been buying things monthly for 9 years. And over a $5 coupon? I don't get it. read more

It was the first time there although. I visited grocery Outlet next-door .the reason why I went there was because I needed latex redwood stain .Fairfax lumber didn't carry it! chase hardware was out of it. I went there and was helped by Tyler who showed me there are paint selections and I was impressed with his knowledge and their competitive pricing to the big box stores i'll be shopping there in the future and suggest for people to take a look at their store for their hardware needs its huge read more

I've come here for over 20 years off and on and the team there has never let me down. Always kind, considerate and knowledgeable. They are worth every penny they charge me and I love their bag specials. Now with online shopping you forget how awesome it is to get what you actually need and right away. Love this place!!! read more

Waited a long time at the paint center area, and was just flat ignored. Very disappointing

When my Grandmother, a Hollywood interior decorator (not DESIGNER - she scoffs at that word) from the 50s-70s, told me when I was a little girl that of all the stores in the world her very favorite to go into was a hardware store, I looked at her like she had three heads. Yesterday, standing in Pini, I finally understood what she meant. While I'm a bargain-hunter by nature, the little extra you pay at Pini is WELL worth it. This isn't a place I'd go to for a veggie peeler or pizza cutter (Target, people - but read my review first), and I just sigh in dreamy covetousness when I walk by their glossy display of Le Creuset (someday........), but I won't go anywhere else for legitimate hardware needs. The service level is unbelievable - straight out of 50s Mayberry. I had one guy take me into his little workshop in the back and chat to me, telling me about his wife of 50 years, his time in the military, etc., while he did some custom work for me. They just don't MAKE 'em like that any more. My paint guy ('Big Brian') is outstanding (usually I go nowhere but Benjamin Moore for paint, but for a bathroom I figured what the hey and got the Pratt & Lambert). If you need an obscure wood screw, washer, or just go in and say, 'I need a doohickey to go with this whatsit,' they will HOOK. YOU. UP. Returns are no problem and I love that it's family-owned and definitely has that small-town feel. Not super impressed with the nursery section but again, it's a HARDWARE STORE. There's Sloat, Andersen's, Target, and some other nurseries in Novato, so don't sweat it (they do have a great garden-maintenance section, however). This is the kind of place where you walk in and go, 'OMG I didn't even know they MADE that!' Two snaps up! Love it love it love it. It's made my transition to the burbs a little less painful and for that I am very grateful. I will always come get my doohickeys for my whatsits here. read more

The Good: Knowledgeable staff The Bad: Extremely expensive, closes very early, and limited selection The Worst: Try to return something and feel the pain Bottom line: Stay away and drive 15 minutes south to Home Desperate (Depot) read more

They have it all Love the speed of the purchase. Needed an extension cord, ran down the shopping center, back to the bar in time for football!! Excellent store!! read more

Yeah, if you want to save a few bucks, you could make the drive to "Home Desperate" and speak verrrryyyy slowlllyyy to the orange vested employees in the hopes that you get an intelligible response... but since every home improvement project requires at least 3 trips to the hardware store, that's, like, a tank of gas! What Pini lacks in selection and price-competitiveness they more than make up for in service. It's like consulting with Dad on a project on always coming away with good advice (and zero chance you'll be run down by a forklift). read more

Just moved back to Novato and needed a bunch of stuff for the house, some of what I didn't know what I needed. Went into Pini not knowing what to expect and they were awesome. They are super helpful, super nice and don't just point me in the right direction of the thing that I am asking for but they actually ask me what I am trying to do and several times have offered a better solution. I love this place and will continue to go there. read more

The customer service is excellent and the layout is nice. It's a great store - maybe a bit too far north for the prices - perhaps it should be in Belvedere or Tiburon. I gave it 4 stars because while this place is beautiful it's VERY expensive. $10 for a tiny wooden scoop is just insulting. I won't buy the scoop, but i will go back because of the customer service (and ... there are no other hardware stores in Novato - which speaks to the integrity of the owners/managers - they don't HAVE to be nice since they're the only ones, but they certainly are). I agree with the previous review as well. read more

This is a great example of how a small local hardware store can survive the low-priced mega home improvement stores. Yes, you will of course pay a little more and have much less of a choice, but you will receive knowledgeable service. I bet that they would survive even if there were a Lowe's or Home Depot in Novato. They carry a large selection of screws, nuts, bolts, washers, and other hardware items. read more

Pini Hardware - Hardware Stores Near Me - Novato, California

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The only negative experience I have had here was when I bought paint once. At that time there was this tweaker woman working at the paint counter and she sent me home with a can of paint that was the same color as that crayon in the box of 64 Crayolas that everyone use to color the white people. You know, the white people crayon. What she was supposed to be mixing for me was an almond color, so what I ended up with was a can of useless paint. Anyway, I have not taken another chance on the paint here, but I do come in pretty frequently for other stuff because I am renovating my house. The customer service is excellent here. I think Home Depot is cheaper, but that place is so ghetto I often choose to pay a little more for better service. I guess I should write my Home Depot review next. read more

Super friendly staff that is very helpful and knowledgeable. I can go in here and ask any home improvement question and not feel dumb. I get accurate advice and directions on what I need to buy and what I should avoid (never feel pressured to buy any unnecessary items). People who work here seem happy to be at work, too, which speaks to how they are treated. They have ample workers at the checkouts (never wait too long) and are well-stocked. I get my Christmas tree here each year and it stays fresh and beauty for over a month. I also shop here for to augment to my gardening/building gadgets, to have keys made, and to get paint. Just a lovely place with a warm atmosphere. On a side note, I also love their humorous march during the Novato Fourth of July Parade. read more

As a contractor sometimes I'm in a hurry or it's a Sunday so I have to stop in here and grab a few items only because Novato only has 2 places to get things for repairs or building. As all ace hardwares are they are overpriced because they can be, as there are no other options in the area. What irritates me about this place is the customer service, it's great to have someone there to help if you need it but to be asked "can I help you find something?" 10-15 times during a short visit to the store is really irritating especially if your trying to think about what might work for a repair. Sometimes 2-3 times from the same person following you around. Many times there are more people standing around asking if people need help than there are customers in the store. Novato really needs a Friedman brothers or something of that sort. read more

Good hardware stores are hard to come by these days. They never seem to have the things I need, and even if they do, they are so understaffed by uncaring staff that it is impossible to get help. Pini Ace Hardware sets a new standard for hardware stores. They always seem to have EVERYTHING I need, but even more than that, their customer service is some of the best I have ever seen. Ace Hardware staff is found everywhere, and I can't stop one second without someone offering their assistance. I rarely find that retail stores really care about the experience of their customers these days, but at Pini Ace Hardware I felt very catered to. I live in San Francisco and I commute all the way to Novato to this particular hardware store whenever I need supplies. The 45 minute commute is simply worth the prices, customer service, and ease/enjoyment of shopping. read more

Total agreement with the happy customers / Yelp reviewers. This family owned hardware store is the antithesis of Home Depot. The sales people help you here. They are knowledgeable, they are friendly, they dress well & smell nice. The prices aren't that high. This is an ACE hardware affiliate on steroids. read more

Not only can you get help from an employee here, you can get lot's of it. And it's good. There is seriously no comparison with the Home Depot in San Rafael. If I can get someone to help me find the specific product I'm looking for I'm happy. At Pini they'll ask what you're trying to do, give you suggestions, help you find everything you need, etc. It is not hyperbole to say that customer service at Pini is 100 times better than at Home Depot. I've also compared prices between Pini and the Home Depot in San Rafael - and they are pretty similar. In fact I think Pini was better for some items. Unless Pini doesn't have it, I never go to Home Depot. read more

I know they have a lot of help, but the help isn't always helpful. Lots of people on the floor but the knowledge level is average. I would say 2 out if 10 times advice is wrong or misleading. This leads to my issue with being asked so many times if I need help being annoying. Yes, I need help but I don't trust your advice. Lol For example - I recently was told I was told not to use galvanized pipe for gas- that black pipe was what I should use. The problem is it was an exterior job. Not only did I need galvanized, but also needed to wrap it. The employee disagreed with me. When talking about bathroom fans, the employee told me a window alone isn't enough. He made an analogy by asking me if I had ever blown into a coke bottle? - to which I responded, have you ever sucked on a coke bottle?!? His argument showed he didn't understand the mechanic involved, and the new regulation requiring bathroom fans in CA IMHO. Also his suggestion of installation wiring was not correct. They can be a little pricey but have what you need generally. read more

I love this place I really do. They ALWAYS make shopping easier...BUT, whatever you do don't buy one of those colorful patio umbrellas. First of all they fade in 3-4 weeks and then you have a GREY umbrella. Then they fall apart. I bought two and I took one back and got another one and it broke again. Now they're both in the junk pile. Pini's: Don't sell crap like that. read more

The customer service here is incredible ! You walk into the store and someone asks you if you need assistance within 5 minutes. The employees know where you can find whatever you are looking for and eagerly lead you directly to the merchandise. The cashiers are also friendly and helpful. If I need something from a hardware store, I come here so I can get exactly what I need and pay for it within 15 minutes. This is a great place to shop !!! read more

My motto from now on will be "Go to Pini Hardware 1st!" I needed a garage door opener battery. Pini was not my first store to try and find it. When I finally went to Pini not only did they have the battery but the service cannot be beat. The young man (employee) not only got the battery but offered and changed the battery as I had the remote with me. Then the cashier made a small note of the battery number and taped it on the remote. Where else can you get that type of service in today's world?! Thank you to Pini employees. You are the best!!! read more

Had a great experience with Pini Hardware today. In the middle of the virus, I needed a lawn rake. Did not want to risk going inside the store given my age and health condition. Went online, found the exact right item, ordered and paid and got a confirmation email in a few minutes that it was ready for curbside pickup. I drove over, called and got an associate who directed me around back. I popped the trunk, he put in the rake and it was done and done. Very easy and SAFE. Love this place. Its great to know that during the pandemic, I can get what I need so easily in terms of hardware store merchandise. read more

Great customer service and employees that genuinely care!! Brian is amazing please promote him to head ceo!!!

Such helpful and friendly staff. They may not have everything that Home Depot and such have but they have a LOT and you don't have to search for 10 minutes to have someone help you. read more

Their hours are so-so, their selection mostly limited by the fact that they are an ACE affiliate and not independent, and their prices are crazy-high. What kills me is how so much cheap stuff made in China can cost so much!!! Really?!?!?! Head down the road to Jackson's Hardware in San Rafael. Or, if you don't mind cheap stuff made in China, head across the highway to Target and get it for half the price. Examples: A 2 x 4 is $5.99 at Pini which is 53% more than at the local lumber yard which sells the same 2 x 4 for $3.92! I tried to order some air duct caulking once and the lady told me it "wasn't in her catalog" so she couldn't get it. (Home Depot and Jackson's stocks it, I just didn't want to burn 3 gallons of gas getting it.) The ACE hoses suck and alway need new ends put on them. They stock either hella-crappy plastic repairs or so-so brass repairs for a ton of dough. They say "It's the only way to fix a hose." Well, across the isle in plumbing they had some more robust parts that the guy spaced out on apparently. I got into a verbal spar once with another employee that was trying to help me in electrical. He insisted that 10 gauge wire would get too hot on a 20 amp circuit and I should use 12 gauge... He kept telling me: "It's too thick, it will get too hot!" Wow. Just wow... I wonder how many fires in Novato are caused by bad advice at Pini? I shouldn't have even told him what I was doing! Then, they put "Impulse Alley" at the cash registers with tons of incredibly junky toys made in China for a penny and sold here for a dollar. It is merchandised at kid height and if you shop with your kids this causes terrible contention and unneeded stress. What a cheap shot at more profit Pini! Cheap! Cheap!! Cheap!!! Seriously, how many parents cave in and give Pini a few more bucks of sheer profit for some petroleum landfill. Yes, that's what plastic (technically "polymers") is, it is petrochemical garbage!!! I just bumped them from two stars to three because they have improved their fastener section a bit. read more

Ah-mazing. No matter what you need, questions that google can't answer and the perfect local location with a staff that I has always demonstrated superior service. Their knowledge is top notch, their teamwork is commendable, their managements engagement with both the shoppers and employees does not go unnoticed and last but not least their ethics and community involvement has created a loyal customer in myself and many others I know. I would literally feel like I was cheating on them if I went big box and they would find out as I have tried and always gotten bad advice for which I end up back with the folks that have been part of the Pini staff for some time asking them how to fix my indiscretions. Their return policy is more than fair and they stand by their word, and go above and beyond the service expectations of any hardware store. If I did not have physical limits so would seriously build a gazebo or redo a bathroom with them on my own! They have helped and ordered our remodel parts for many rooms and I can tell you that the products they send versus the ones we try to save a dollar on or have someone else order through another source has always resulted in massive mistakes like bathtubs exceeding the weight restrictions for the load baring pile or whatever and we have to redo the very expensive redo or risk death by falling bathtub. True story with only a mild exaggeration as the years have progressed it has become more and more apparent we are in trouble! Anyway, thanks to all, especially the woman in paint who has been m.i.a. for a while. You always do a great job and have a fabulous eye for color and don't give bad advise like the stuff I read or hear from those who say they "know" paint. They don't. You do and it is nice to have a woman know her stuff. Thank you. read more

No weekend would be complete without a trip to Pini Hardware! Friendly and helpful staff, always willing to take the time to answer questions and assist with projects. Our kid loves to push the mini cart around and go "shopping". Skip the big box stores and shop local. read more

These folks are outstanding. Solid advice, patient courteous service and the are just super happy to be there! If anyone has any doubt as to why you should drop a little more coin to support your local place, go here. Pini, you are good people, and have my business. read more

Rarely do I ever walk into the hardware store or people actually know what they're talking about and there is an abundance of people offering to help. Every time I go in I find knowledgeable staff and exactly what I need. Even if it is that random tiny screw that is missing out of an old appliance they will find it. Not the cheapest place but I would much rather pay a little bit more for knowledgeable and friendly service. read more

I have been shopping at Pini for decades mostly because it is the only hardware store in town. I was a loyal customer for many years until I realized that the mark up was beyond reason and that the Ace products were poorly made, easily broken and not worth the time. There are parts of the Pini experience that deserve more stars but in the past two years they have stopped accepting their own coupons which means that tiny $5 off every $25 purchase that made the prices seem somewhat reasonable, are gone. Pini now has what seems like one salesperson for every two customers. It is not helpful, it is overwhelming. There markup on basic products is excessive and if you are planning a project it is worth your time to purchase items at other local stores like Novato lumber, because of the savings. It's time Novato made room for more than one hardware store. it's like being held hostage. Unless you make the trip to Petaluma or San Rafael, you are limited in many areas. Pini could adjust to the competition by specializing in products that are made to last and having areas in which they offer items that are not available anywhere else. The new Petaluma Friedman's store has some nice options but in other areas they are struggling too. Try to find a shower head and handheld that wont break because the critical parts are made out of plastic rather than metal, proved to be impossible at Friedman's. That's why people are turning to online purchases. Novato needs more options when it comes to home improvement. Paying a high price is worth it when buying a quality product. Paying more for plastic from China will endlessly feed our landfills. Pini needs to rethink its identity as a local hardware and home improvement store. It would be wonderful to shop there and have choices that were worth the additional cost. read more

5 stars for Dana in the Nursery Had a lovely conversation with her 20 mins before closing yesterday She took her time and was not in a hurry to "clock out" like those at the big orange barn. Thank you for looking after your customers, Dana - you are a real asset to the Pini team.. read more

I was in the store for the first time this week. The store is big and beautiful, with a full selection of any hardware item you can imagine. The staff is friendly and super knowledgeable. I had a problem with my toilet, and was ready to try to repair it in a completely wrong way. However, after describing the problem, one of the salespeople (I wish I remembered his name) knew that all I needed was a good plunger. He was right, and problem solved! This place is the best, highly recommended! read more

Pini's is the top tier of excellence in regards to what they offer along with their oustanding customer service. I am always greeted by multiple workers there and they immediately try and help me with any of my needs, without trying to pass me off to treat me like I'm a burden. I'm always impressed with their knowledge of their products. I bring in a very specific nut or bolt I need and almost instantly the clerk has what I'm looking for! If I was by myself in there I'd be lost for ages. This is what I love about Pini's - fast, professional, and friendly. read more

Everyone here is always kind and ready to help! I've grown up going to this store (at its various locations around Novato), and it is still one of the best places for your home needs. And now they have all kinds of kitchen gear too!! Le Creuset for really good prices, I'm impressed. We picked up some canning lids here the other day, and they also have kids crafts from time to time. . .there is something for everyone here. :) read more

They have everything you need and if not they will get it for you. Great service, free coffee and smart staff. They have a rewards program that you sign up for and we have gotten enough free paint (custom colors we chose) to paint two walls in our house. read more

When you go to a hardware store, you usually need something very specific. As hardware stores tend to have an amazing number of SKUs you can quickly get lost trying to find what you need. This is an experience I have every time I go to Home Depot - I spend more time than I want trying to find what I need. The only thing harder to find there is an employee! By contrast every time I go to Pini Ace Hardware there are ample staff members ready to assist you and they all know the store layout well enough to point you exactly where you need to go. On top of that the store signage is very easy to read and the presentation of items is clean and well organized. The staff members are friendly and don't make you feel stupid when you ask questions. I'm quite knowledgeable about electronics but always find myself on the bottom slope of the learning curve when it comes to practical stuff (e.g. home repair.) I like that when I leave Pini's I feel like I'm mentally prepared to properly use the items I've purchased. I am a happy customer and I'll be back again the next time I need a special "honey do" supply item. read more

If you do not like associates who are polite, smile sincerely, and offer you assistance then this is the wrong store for you. Anytime I have a question regarding where a tool is, what my best options are, am I even asking for the right tool for the job or how to use said tool, I can always count on the folks at Ace in Novato. If you have a business and want your associates to learn how to treat your customer, then send them to the manager at that store. Every time I have been in that store I always see the Manager with a great big smile welcoming me to the store as if we were old friends. The team really seems great. As for deals. Well today I bought tomato plants for less then a dollar, along with yhe cages I would need. I was also able to get organic potting soil for under two dollars. Great associates and great deals. Two very important aspects I believe. read more