I much prefer Lowe's to Home Depot Big Box any day of the week. While it's true that I much prefer to give my business to small town hardware stores, lets face the facts.. This place is cheaper, I'm guaranteed they'll have what I'm looking for, and I'm certain I'll find an expert in the department I'm looking in that actually worked in the industry - not a general handyman who'd probably also teach me how to siphon gas from a car using an old hose.. no.. Not at Lowe's. It's too bad that the company's portfolio and debt to capital ratio is so much poorer than HD.. I'd love to see them expand.
I did mention to try and support your local hardware stores... right? I know.. the selection at Lowe's is too good to pass up though. I understand and I'm right there with you.