Carol L. Voss Wrote:
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> Going to be very interesting to see how this plays
> out as there are many areas where OSH and Lowe's
> are in close proximity to one another. THe OSH
> people continue to believe that Lowe's is gonna
> let them alone and not shut them down. We shall
> see. To you people in the Portland area, we were
> up there in June and noted that they had opened
> OSH in Portland (not sure exactly where) and in
> Tigard suburb---------odd that they did this when
> they were so far from the locations in
> California-------so let's see if they are gonna
> continue, but OTOH, are they in areas where there
> are no Lowe's??
> C.

I was quite happy when I saw that OSH was opening up a couple of stores in the Portland area. The one in Tigard is just across the 217 freeway from Washington Square. The one in "PORTLAND" is just about five miles north, near the north end of 217. I can get to the northern one by MAX and a short Tri-Met bus ride. The one across from Washington Square is somewhat of an adventure with bus transfers.

I had no problem getting a calendar but I needed to open their account. It's kinda funny there. You can be in aisle looking for something and nobody is available to answer questions. Then you can just be wandering around with nothing in mind and everybody in the store is willing to help you out. Everybody I talked to was friendly. Especially when they found out I used to go to the #1 store in San Jose and knew a little of the history of the calendar.

There are Lowe's within five miles of both store. The folks at OSH were at least putting on a happy face. They didn't seem to think there would be a problem.

The folks in Oregon don't have any idea of the history of OSH or the products and service they have. I don't know how they will be received. Fry's Electronics from California opened up in Wilsonville maybe 15 years ago and they seem to be making it OK. (nobody here seems to know why you have to go through long, winding aisles of Coke and potato chips - two basic food groups - to get to check out)

Hardwick's in Seattle is a place you just have to experience. Many of the aisles you have to turn sideways to get through. Don't even think of trying to meet somebody in one. Tools of every shape and form. Cabinet hardware, cabinet hardware, cabinet hardware........ The place is fairly easy to get to off of I-5. Less than a mile. It is in the edge of the University of Washington area and people tend to wander across the streets without looking. I've never had a problem parking in their assigned parking. If you are looking for wide aisles like Home Depot, Lowe's, or the newer OSH's, and just one name brand of something....this ain't your place.

jb