C H P Hardware 120 Loisaida Avenue, Manhattan, New York,

"I had a very good experience that quickly pivoted to very not good. Based on the reviews here (mostly 5s with a couple 1s and 2s), I’d guess the owner/employees are just temperamental. When I first came in, I bought about $37 of material, including a wrench. They were perfectly helpful, and well stocked. I was pretty stoked to have a nice, small hardware store around the corner. When I returned home, I used some tools, and opened up the wrench from a plastic case to find it was a size too small. Having not used it, and still needing one more item I had forgotten, I figured I’d bring it back to see if they did returns/store credit on opened items. It doesn’t specify on the receipt. Obviously, big chains will do this, but it can be harder for small businesses. I went in well aware of this, and fully prepared to be told no, and eat the cost. However, when I returned and asked if I could return the wrench, and presented it to the man behind the counter, he immediately started berating me. I was in the middle of explaining that I opened it, and was just checking to see the policy, but he couldn’t hear me over his own temper. He said I was trying to scam him, I opened it and used it and now I tried to get one over on him and return it used. Asking me “you didn’t buy it like this, did you?” The whole time I kept my cool, and continued to say “hey, no problem, I’ll pay full price, it’s not an issue if I can’t return it like that.” Didn’t listen to me at all. Still bought the extra item I needed and left. I’ve never written a review before. I’m not even entirely sure anyone will read this or find it helpful. Small businesses are a double edged sword— in the age of massive chain stores on every corner, rudeness and apathy are a given. But when a mom and pop shop doesn’t treat you like a regular, well meaning person, it reflects poorly on the business a lot more than a Home Depot employee with no personal stake in the store giving you attitude. I’m unlikely to return, but I wouldn’t urge others to not patronize this business. Instead, I’d say everyone should vote with their money, and keep their own self-respect in mind as part of the equation. Who wants to spend $37 to be accused and berated at 10am on a Wednesday?"

"Very friendly. They have been me and my father's go-to hardware store for over 10 years. Always willing to give me some advice if I need help with a home project. I trust them and would recommend them to anyone!!!!"

"Great 'Mom&Pop' hardware store with knowledgeable staff and welcoming atmosphere"

"while hardware shops in many neighborhoods seem to be disappearing and being replaced by chains. CHP is hanging in there. had a small home repair, recently. was able to find the items needed and get in & out quickly to make the fix. it’s a small shopped packed from floor to ceiling —definitely ask for help if you aren’t familiar with the store. staff was helpful (English is a little limited though). pricing seems competitive. closes fairly early —by like 430 pm. DIY locally for the win!"