I have been to a lot of hardware stores over the years, with the earliest memories being of going with my dad to get keys made or lawnmower blades sharpened or buy nails by the pound or get help from actually knowledgeable staff at the hardware store close to where I grew up. This True Value is the closest thing I have found to that experience, with a more modern, friendly feel.
I have almost always found what I need here, usually in the plumbing or hardware categories, but also always find helpful people. And not just where stuff is located, sometimes I learn useful things about projects I'm working on from the staff too! Try that at a bigger box store. This store has a good selection of outdoor equipment such as hoses and axes and landscaping, etc as well.
Yes prices are a little higher here, but it's marginal, and I will argue all day long thst it's worth it to get good service and be able to find what you need. It's nice to know I could get appliances here should I need one rather than having to go to an electronics store that doesn't know anything about washing machines, for example. Not to mention it's right in-town, I don't have to drive half an hour for an o-ring. Every now and then I see the owner and he always has a smile and a wave for me no matter how busy he is. Life does indeed need to change and evolve to keep up with the times, but it sure is nice to know that once in a while the good things stick around and are there when you need them.
Tom Pitts