Rex Ace Hardware opened it’s doors in 1907 and as such has had a colorful history. It has survived 2 fires, out lived other stores such as Yardbirds, Orchard Supply Hardware, True Value, Wicks, among others, manages to compete with the big boxers, and was even a back drop in the movie “Peggy Sue Got Married.” When current owner/operator Jeff Tomasini purchased the store in 1984 he vowed to keep the Rex Ace Hardware in the name as a tribute to it’s past. When asked what contributes to the continued success he proudly states; “My knowledgeable staff and complete inventory.” His employees have been with him for many years, which in it’s own right is testament to Jeff as a person and boss, but every one of them offers a warm greeting when you enter the store, they provide excellent costumer service and they all have the knowledge to help you with any project you may have going from beginning to end. While Jeff’s store may not have the square footage that the big boxers have, he is able to stock a complete inventory. Through proper management and listening to what his customers want he is able to keep the shelves stocked with everything someone may need for their project. Jeff states, “I may only carry 1 or 2 of a particular item where competitors have 30, but I have what my costumers need when they need it.” “Ultimately” Jeff states, “it comes down to providing great customer service.”
One of my favorite things about the store is you feel like you are stepping in to yesteryear when you enter. From the exterior facade to the hardwood floors, to narrower isles(as compared to today’s big stores), to the greetings from the employees, it just has that comfortable corner store feeling. As an observer while shopping, you will notice the staff knows most of the costumers by name and while hardware may be the number one topic of the day, the conversations can get personal because the staff gets to know their costumers on a personal level. You just don’t get that anywhere else. From a business perspective, time is money. If you really want to save time, shop here. The staff knows pretty much anything you can think of when it comes to hardware and home improvement. So far, for me, I have had every question intelligently answered and have been escorted to exactly what I was looking for. If I didn’t know what I was looking for, they always seem to have a solution. They simply provide excellent, quick, knowledgeable customer service. I’m usually in and out with what ever I need quicker than it would take to find somebody to actually help me in another store, just to find out they don’t have clue what I am talking about or how to help. Jeff Tomasini’s Rex Ace Hardware at 313 B Street in downtown Petaluma is the very definition of a P-Town Treasure. Pay them a visit next time you are out and about or need a key made or a shovel or just some home maintenance advise or some good conversation about the happenings in Petaluma or…..you get the idea. Thank you Jeff and staff.