Ace is fantastic. Every Ace comes with an ambiguously old guy who knows everything about whatever project you're doing and can advise you about the tools you'll need, potential pitfalls,etc.
I always go to Ace first because of that guy. It's one trip to Ace vs the two+ trips to Lowe's when I'm doing something new.
Amazon can sell the parts cheaper, but the knowhow they can't provide is invaluable.
"Nelson invented a new way of crossing the street: when arriving at a busy thoroughfare, he would dramatically turn his back on traffic and step with theatrical nonchalance off the sidewalk. Drivers, frightened, would slam on their brakes."