Yea, I've found Ace to be much higher than both Lowes and Home Depot on virtually everything....
I only go to Ace for small things that I need right away because they're just a half mile away and I don't have to fight mega traffic.
That’s part of the local hardware business model. The other part is knowledge. The big box stores have better prices, but little to no knowledge among their staff.
I was doing a plumbing project once and needed to put together a series of drain pipe parts. Went to the local ACE. The 12 year old son of the owner was absolutely amazing in his knowledge and ability to get me the right parts.
I’m kind of forced to do Home Depot. It’s two blocks away. The nearest independent hardware store is 5 miles, then ten to the next one.
I work for a company that sells building materials. I make it a point if I’m in a store to walk by our displays and if someone is there searching to stop and help them out.