Mallternative Thread

[nicofrog]

I just got inspired to create a thread(that Barry may want to move to recommendations) with this title.
I was looking for a pet store in santa rosa, I'm new to the area,and all everyone I asked said was P****** at the big mall,so I sighed, and went there,Disney land for petstuff, bought some junk.
then I needed some garden supplies and happened to land at Western
Farm supply near Railroad square and WHOE! they had all the same supplies for about four dollars cheaper each, and real nice service!
I do not like the service or product availability at Home Fleapo , or Costmo
good smaller hardwares with real service,and still not TOO high prices would be good to know about!I've learned half of what I know from cool old guys working at family hardware stores who take the time to spin a yarn when you're there.
Nico

[Barry]

I just got inspired to create a thread(that Barry may want to move to recommendations) with this title....Good idea, Nico! It took me a moment to understand the thread title "Mall-ternative"... cute!
I'll leave it in GC for now.

So everybody, what are your favorite alternatives to big box/mall stores whose prices are not too high and whose service makes it worth it? And how about mentioning WaccoBB.net, your Craigslist/Bohemian alternative with great service :wink:, to them! We could use a few more local sponsors!

[Braggi]

Nico,

I find Ace Hardware in Sebastopol, Windsor, and Healdsburg all fine places to shop for hardware. They almost always have what I need. If they don't have it, I usually have to go to an industrial supply or a lumber yard. It's not like a big box hardware store will have a much better selection.

Burgess Lumber off of Airport Rd. north of Santa Rosa has quality lumber products and is usually 20% cheaper than competitors. The yard guys there are willing to pick through if you need especially nice boards.

I still do shop at Home Despot occasionally, but it's not usually my first choice.

-Jeff

[nicofrog]

The oriental store at fulton and stony point is great,all kinds of exotic stuff,and they sell Vietnamese style "summer rolls" non deepfry spring rolls way cheaper than anywhere else I've seen them. It's next to the corner that used to be a chocolate factory! I forget the name but I'll pay attention next time and post it here.:Yinyangv:


Nico,

I find Ace Hardware in Sebastopol, Windsor, and Healdsburg all fine places to shop for hardware. They almost always have what I need. If they don't have it, I usually have to go to an industrial supply or a lumber yard. It's not like a big box hardware store will have a much better selection.

Burgess Lumber off of Airport Rd. north of Santa Rosa has quality lumber products and is usually 20% cheaper than competitors. The yard guys there are willing to pick through if you need especially nice boards.

I still do shop at Home Despot occasionally, but it's not usually my first choice.

-Jeff

[helenscott08]

I have been going to the Larkfield Pet Supply at 454 Larkfield Center, in Santa Rosa.

This is a Father and Son operation. Both are very nice and help you find the right food for your pet. They have very high quality food and lots of bedding, toys, leashes, food dishes, etc.

The Larkfield Pet Supply (full line of Pet Supplies & foods, 707-548-9696, is also in same center as Norm's Restaurant, Larkfield Vets, Exchange Bank, and many other neat places to eat and find quality merchandise with very helpful personnel.

Re Norm's Restaurant, I have taken several people there and they have told me they go back often. Good food, good friendly service and reasonable prices. I believe they are open most days for breakfast, lunch and dinner.

beautifultrees12

[Dark Shadows]

I got ten pounds of rabbit food for only four dollars at Brocco's Feed on Arnold. It was wrapped in a brown paper bag, instead of a fancy zip-lock bag, but it's probably better for the grain to breath instead of being in a plastic bag. If you go to Pet Smart, it will cost you around five dollars for 3 pounds of rabbit food.

If you need vaccinations and wormers for your pet, try Valley Vet, it's a catalog, but they have much cheaper prices than the feed store. Chick's Discount Saddlery also has cheap horse, dog and stable essentials, like muck boots, rasps and twitches. American Livestock Supply is also good for stuff like that, I have a form filled out ready to be faxed in every month.