Local Hardware Stores: Old-Fashioned Service and Cool Stuff
With the shopping landscape shifting to big box stores and online retailers over the last 20 years, it's easy to forget the old reliable medium-size destination: your neighborhood hardware store. You probably need to visit one soon anyway for your spring cleaning and maintenance projects, but they've got a lot more than just tools and supplies.
McDaniel's Do-it Center
510 Second Street, Snohomish
The attentive staff at McDaniel's will help you find anything you need, but browsing around for items you wouldn't expect to find is the best part of going there. They have an impressive selection of small appliances, plus outdoor toys like sleds and kiddie pools, and novelty gifts like "Davy Crackit," the shiny squirrel-shaped nutcracker. Be sure to check out the outdoor plant and decor area that runs the entire length of the building's north side.
Harbor Freight Tools
Marysville/Everett/Monroe/Edmonds
Visiting a Harbor Freight is like walking into a huge catalog. Need a power strip with 12 outlets? How about a metal detector or safety glasses with LED lights? They have it all. Their prices are particularly good on simple essentials like funnels, scissors, batteries, and brushes. Be sure to select your local store on the website and check the clearance section before heading to the store.
Ace Hardware
Lake Stevens/Everett Claremont/Everett Silver Lake/Mukilteo/Edmonds/Mountlake Terrace
Over the past 96 years, the Ace Hardware hardware cooperative has grown to over 5,200 stores in 60 countries. Don’t let the size fool you, the stores are locally owned, but the cooperative means they can probably order anything you need if they don’t have it in stock. You've probably always lived near one and likely prefer it over the sprawling aisles at Lowe's and Home Depot. Walk in and be greeted by the smell of hot popcorn and a sales associate who can tell you exactly which aisle to head to to find whatever you're after. The biggest surprise? A meat vending machine at the Everett Claremont location
Arlington Hardware & Lumber
215 North Olympic Ave, Arlington
The coolest hardware store in the county, Arlington Hardware & Lumber is an Ace affiliate but in a league all its own. Spread across four connected storefronts, the shop has room after room of the tools and supplies you expect, along with cool surprises like dishes and cookware, jewelry, air plants, and sporting goods. There's even a large workwear selection upstairs. If you're tired and hungry after exploring the store, recharge at The Stilly Diner next door.
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