Where have all the DIY store shops gone?

The ones where you have a shopping list and a few interactions. Ipsos used to have them, but they've been gone for over a year now.

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I did one of those on IPSOS in the last 6 months, but have not seen another. The version I did involved taking pictures of everything on display for example paint accessories and two other departments. I like going to that store because they are nice and have awesome plants. I miss that shop too. The last store I did it at the employees were amazing. I d i’ve over there now instead of the slightly closer competitor because I always need help at these stores and usually can’t find anyone.

My guess would be the economy. Or they didn't see a return on the money invested in the project.. They decided to cut costs and the mystery shops got cut. They'll probably come back in the future.

Home Depot PROFITS 50 billion in 2022, 53 billion 2023, slight decrease in 2024, 51 billion. Sometimes mystery shops just run the course of its usefulness. New versions could appear again.

Yeah Ace Hardware was an OK stocking stuffer, but I think they've been gone since Covid. Maybe they came back briefly thereafter, I forget, but haven't seen one for quite a while.

I still see Ace hardware posted by me but I think it is specific franchises. It's a "secret" what company it is

@joanna81 wrote:

I still see Ace hardware posted by me but I think it is specific franchises. It's a "secret" what company it is

That's the company that had it previously. But I moved in 2023. Maybe they don't do them in my current area.

There were very few Ace Hardware shops in my area in February. All were pre-ordering and pick up. For the month of April there are none.

Is this the same for all regions?

I did Ace Hardware in/store visits through February, 2025. February and March were either curbside or BOPIS visits. April, 2025 there are no “secret” visits for my area.

A coordinator did contact me about doing $2.80 phone calls to Ace Hardware. After reading the guidelines I declined the opportunity.

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Where have all the DIY store shops gone?

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