Having just moved, I have found myself in dire need of the little necessities you need to make an empty apartment into a dream pad. Lowe's has served my needs very well. One thing that I've noticed is that it doesn't matter when I've visited, I've always been greeted by a happy person who asks if I need help finding anything in a very genuine way. Not every hardware store offers this. Sure, I'd love to give my money to a mom and pop joint, but none exist in my area, so Lowe's has done its job.
Even better is their garden department. Their prices are fair and the people really know their stuff. Lowe's has a great policy for their plants; if the plant you purchase dies before a year, they either refund your money or replace your plant. You can't go wrong with that. I've purchased plants at other places and had those plants die within days of the transaction, despite my following directions to the letter. It makes me feel a lot safer knowing that if something unforseen happens, I am covered. Recently, this came in handy when a bougainvillea I purchased decided to shrivel up inexplicably. I had lost my receipt, and Lowe's didn't make me feel bad about it. They gave me a merchandise credit and tried to help me find another plant.
Even though I've got most of the gear I need for my new apartment, you bet I'll go back. Their good customer service will see to that. Plus, I've got some more ideas about more plants for my patio. Like tattoos, once you get one, you can't stop.