ACE HARDWARE

We have been to this store a few times for odds and ends. On one occassion last year we needed drain cleaner. When the person I was asking questions didn't know the answer he went to go get someone who may be able to help; they never came back! I waited about 15 min in the aisle and no one returned! Recently we were installing a basketball goal and bought most of the concrete mix at Home Depot. We ran out and needed a few more bags. So I ran up to Ace and bought 3 more bags. Once I looked over the receipt I saw ACE charged exactly 3X the amount per bag as Home Depot. I realize there should be a markup for a smaller store - but 3x is outrageous! When I called the store, the manager was no help nor did he offer any helpful comments. When we called customer service at the headquarters of ACE, the representative agreed paying 3x as much for the same product was more than they recommended to their stores, but each store is independently franchised - so they do not regulate the prices. We will never return to this ACE. We will always invest a few extra minutes and go somewhere else.