HD has gone to crap.
Their prices are too high especially considered how junky their inventory has become, their service is non existant. They have removed so many products from their inventory over the last few years that its virtually a wasted trip to even stop into an HD because its very likely if you are looking for anything oustide the norm they won’t have it.
The products they do carry are bland and beyond basic, but priced far too high.
Lowe’s has a much better selection of most things, and while things may be a little more pricey, the value per dollar is much higher. Can save $5 on a ceiling fan by going to HD and get a junky base white mode, or spend $5 for a styled one from Lowes.
In my experience, Home Depot workers are more knowledgeable (when you can find 'em). Lowes tries to be helpful, but they are ignorant.
Self-service checkout at a hardware store is a really dumb idea. Place your sheet of plywood in the bag.
ACE Hardware is an alternative, but I get tired of this little dance:
Me: Do you have a 3/4-inch galvanized elbow?
ACE: What are you trying to do?
Me: I'm trying to buy a 3/4-inch galvanized elbow!
Good grief! In what twisted model of quantum physics does my intended purpose affect the likelihood of an item being in stock?
You'd think I was trying to buy Schrödinger a new cat.