The first time I entered Cottin's, I did so with reluctance. I was concerned that as per usual,…read moresome older gent would look over my head to speak to my boyfriend about what he might be looking for today, making me feel invisible and like such a *girl.* Kind of like what happened to me when I used to go into certain chain electronics stores that have since gone out of business (yay!) in NYC. Not only did this not happen, I actually enjoyed my time in there the several times I've gone in. I kid you not! Now, I fully admit that I usually would only go into Cottin's because the K would be super enthusiastic about shopping in there and I can't say I share the same enthusiasm, but oh, OK, they have a lot of awesome garden stuff and hello, are those pink flamingoes?!?! There's a lot to love about Cottin's. They rent cotton candy (COTTIN Candy?!) and icee machines. They sell all kinds of tape. They sell a lot of different colored and sized novelty light bulbs. They sell old school Radio Flyer wagons. It feels like it could be 1950 in there, but with a 2010 sensibility. The staff, all young and friendly, rule the school. As Lydia A mentions below, they are part of what makes Cottin's such an enjoyable place to be. A "place to be"?! Yes! It's an experience! Even getting keys made is kinda fun (OK, well, that's an exaggeration. It is quick and painless, however!) OTOH, you'd have to drag me kicking and screaming into one of my most hated stores ever...HOME DEPOT. Blargh! Here's to the true mom & pop sensibility of Cottin's (check out their cute retro bumper stickers while you're there and slap one on your toolbox) with their fair prices, excellent customer service and the way they make you feel like anything is possible so I'm going to start building that garden shed I've always wanted...I JEST.

Fantastic customer service. A business to support. They have some hard to find hardware. And they…read moredo loads for the local community.

Needed exterior paint for garage door had number and color of paint needed from my homeowner's book…read morefrom when I purchased my home. LS Painting Services told me to buy the paint there and that they would give me a discount. Man seemed put out having to help me and I felt he was not all that interested in my one gallon of paint. I asked for the discount, and he didn't give it to me but didn't give any explanation. I have never liked Sherwin-Williams anyways they have always been more or less rude and have better things to do than wait on people who aren't contractors.

From the owner: Your local Sherwin-Williams Paint Store in Lawrence, KS, provides expert advice, premium coatings,…read morepaint matching, and professional-grade supplies to help bring complex urban projects to life. Connect with our team for expert recommendations, the right coatings and tools, and personalized support that helps you achieve professional results. As a convenient paint store near you, we offer online color tools, color consultation, wallpaper and application resources, brushes, and information on paint recycling, along with high-quality paints and options to order paint online.

I came in with my baby in his car seat for two gallons of paint. The man who helped me was…read moreprofessional and knew exactly what type of paint I needed. He so kind and thoughtful; when he saw that I had a baby with me and my hands were full, he helped me by carrying the paint to my car for me. Professional service and genuine care for customers like this makes me want to come back!

Giving them one star because YELP would not let me give them ZERO stars. Came on Sunday (opening at…read more10 according to sign in window and internet), no one was to be found. Store was closed. Have them another try today and stood in store for a good 8 minutes without being acknowledged once. Grabbed the color I wanted and proceeded to Lowe's where I can get the same Sherwin Williams Paint, same color, not be ignored and pay roughly half the price these jokers have their paint listed for.

Outstanding service at this new business to St. Joseph. The manager helped me choose the right…read morepaint for the job and even carried it to my car!