Marx Hardware and Paint

Old school hardware store right out of the 19^th Century. You only want one bolt and not a pack? Yup, that’s just fine with Mr. Marx. Just remember to bring cash only. This place should be a tourist destination like the Arch because it is unique.

I love this place so much.
I lived in Old North for five years, and was a frequent visitor to Marx during that time. I still stop by when I go back to visit St. Louis. There is no place like it. They still heat the place exclusively with the potbelly stove. They have hunting trophies and a roll-​top desk. They still sell window glaze by the pound. Marx has been open since 1875, and has been in the same family most of that time.
While their inventory may appear slightly underwhelming on the surface, ask them if you don’t see what you need right away. They may have it in the back, or may have an alternate idea. If they don’t have something, Steve can tell you another place on the Near North Side to get it. Several times during the renovation of my old house, I’d try going to Home Depot for something and discover that they do not sell things appropriate to an old house. So I’d go back to Marx and of course they knew where I could get an 36″ chimney cap for an 1890s chimney, or where I could get push mower blades sharpened, or… really, you name it, and he always knew.
Another experience I had with Marx while renovating my old house: Several times I would have a last-​minute emergency, moments before Marx was set to close for the day, and I’d call over there and ask, «Hey, it’s Claire on Sullivan Street. I just had a plumbing blowout. Can you please stay open for 10 more minutes so I can get the parts I need to have running water tonight?» and they would stay open for me. I don’t know that they’d do that for casual customers they didn’t know, but the fact that they do it at all says a lot. You can’t build that kind of relationship or get that kind of service from Home Depot or Lowes.
Steve even let me use the shop to film a scene of a short movie. Again, not a thing they’d necessarily do for any random person who walked in the door, but the fact that he did that says something about his generosity. Not only did he let our whole slew of actors-​not-​going-​to-​buy-​anything traipse all over the store and change costumes, but he even volunteered to play the shopkeeper in our little movie. So, so nice.
Worth noting briefly: Marx carries a handful of household goods. Detergent, toilet paper, toothpaste, deodorant, soap, stuff like that. When I lived on the Near North Side without a car, I was mighty grateful to be able to get these things a couple of blocks from my house. They might be cheaper elsewhere, but not having to cross town and keeping the money in my community, are worth it.
Obviously this is not an impartial review, but this place has gone above and beyond for me many times. Detroit (my new home) has many great hardware stores in its neighborhoods, but Marx is still my all-​time favorite.

Quirky place. Marx Hardware is one of the few old things in Old North’s development zone, having been in business for well over a hundred years, and it sticks out as one of the more interesting commercial gems of North City. It’s also one of the few hardware stores (or stores in general) in the area, so it’s convenient to not have to make the trek down south…
I’m inclined to think that these guys are not really in it to make any money, owing to things like the cash-​only policy, the underwhelming diversity of the inventory, etc. The selection of basic things is sometimes surprisingly limited, which may or may not have to do with the size of the store. But, if you can find what you’re looking for, it’s reasonably priced. Generally a fun place.