Nate Nagel wrote:
Bigger is often better.



Not in my experience. HD blows goats. Lowe's is orders of magnitude
better but less convenient. I have 3-4 small local stores farther
away than HD but within a 5 mile radius, all are infinitely
preferable to that Orange-Colored Store (tm.)

I usually leave HD in a seething rage because a) they don't have
something basic and common, b) their help doesn't speak english and/or
seems to take enjoyment in directing me to odd corners of the store
looking for something that they don't have, c) the clientele is
generally ruder and less able to get around without blocking your way
than soccer moms at the grocery store or any combination of the above.

Sadly I am still forced to patronize HD as all but one of the small
stores closes at 6 PM. there is a real business opportunity here for
anyone who has the desire to run a real hardware store...


Like I said, closer and open later: Better.

You just need more experience:

1. Shop there more often and you'll learn where everything is located.
2. Use the self-service check-out lanes to avoid the staff.