I go to Lowes all the time. Not because it's my favorite hardware store, really, but because of its relative proximity to my house. Generally, they have everything I need for chores around the... More

I go to Lowes all the time. Not because it's my favorite hardware store, really, but because of its relative proximity to my house. Generally, they have everything I need for chores around the house. A year-end accounting of retail spend for our family would probably put Lowes at the top of the list of retailers who get my money. But it's not a fantastic place to shop. Here's why: the employees don't really know anything. With the MAJOR exception of the plumbing department (those guys know everything and can explain whatever you need to know to fix something) most of the employees there don't know where anything is, what it's for, why it's there, what time it is, etc. I know this because I've gone to Lowes enough to know where stuff is and I've heard employees tell folks that they don't have something when I know where it is. I take those people aside and send them where they need to go. I have a red vest I sometimes wear when I a work outdoors. The color of this vest is very similar to the red vests the employees where. When I wear it; people (including, sometimes, actual employees) ask me questions. I'm happy to help, but I shouldn't have to. All in all; good selection if you're looking for low-to-midrange appliances and tools. Great selection if you need some piece for your drip irrigation system; fastener for your cabinet; random type of fastener.
Less