You remember that great little neighborhood hardware store from when you were a kid? It's still open in Muskego, WI ...

Elliott's Ace of Muskego is the smallest Elliott's I know, and quite frankly, they just don't have everything that their larger branches (West Allis, Elm Grove, Oconomowoc) have - the larger stores typically have a greater selection of items, being several times the size. However, the available selection is well thought out, and it is definitely unusual to find them lacking a solution for any typical household need that could be met by a hardware store. Further, the staff is experienced and friendly, much like that store you remember as a kid. Having lived near them for years, they're typically my first stop, unless I'm looking for large lumber or something I'm sure they don't carry, where I usually head straight for Elliott's West Allis, or Menard's.

While you wouldn't expect it from a small store, there are frequently times when they offer the best deal. For example, earlier this year, we installed a battery backup sump pump, Ace branded, for $169 - looked to be, aside from color and label, the same exact product Home Depot was selling under the Basement Watchdog brand for $239! That is certainly the most dramatic example I've seen lately, but sometimes it pays to consider the little guy.

If you live near them, they're definitely worth a stop in.