I use my hometown hardware store. Excellent service. The guy has been there 50 years and his kid will most likely run it another 50 years. The markup they charge is within reason. Almost never go to Home Depot.
I wish I had that option. Where I live, Home Depot is 2 blocks away. The nearest independent is 15 miles. The products of the company I work for are sold at both. I’d rather support the independent but can’t drive that far.
I patronize my local family-run Ace Hardware as much as I can. I may spend a bit more here and there but it is eminently preferable to being generally regarded as an imposition.