Lowe's closing 50 stores !

[txdon]

Lacation problem in Texas. The one they are shutting down in Irving TX is in the middle of a circle of 7 Lowes stores less than 10 miles away and also in that circle of Lowes are two Home Depots one just a few blocks away.

 

[fried1765]

After initial contact, employee asking if I need help, me replyin no I'm good, I've never, ever been further stalked by a Menards employee.

30 years ago Menards built a MASSIVE store near me (Lakeville, Mn.).
Several years later I moved away.
Have never even lived in the same state as a Menards since.
I STILL miss 'em!

 

[ultrarunner]

One day I fully intend to make a Menards pilgrimage... never heard of Menards before TBN.

What I have learned is Service varies greatly for Home Improvement Big Box stores depending on location.

Can't say enough good things about my Washington State experience which is just the opposite of my Bay Area Big Box experience...

Maybe the Washington staff are more career oriented and the Bay Area stores are in a state of constant transition?

I have switched and/or followed employees to different stores that provide good service... but even that is temp... there was a young lady with special orders that was fantastic... she ended up relocating to a Colorado Home Depot... said moving makes it possible for her to buy a home.

The ACE stores are closing all around here... they seem not to be able to keep the doors open and we had some very good ones around a long time.

 

[Turbys_1700]

We have Home Depot and 2 stores Lowes within a few miles of each other here in Hickory and in addition to several other local builder supply stores. The smaller locals have been able to stay in business thorough local contractor accounts. Still Home Depot and Lowes has the majority of business.

About 20 years ago when I needed to re-roof my home Lowes was more competitive on their 30 year architectural shingles so that's who I went with. Lowes was originally started in Wilkesboro NC and I remember in the 60's the first stores they opened in Hickory and Lincolnton. They have certainly changed over the years.

My pastor's son works at one of the local builder supply stores here in Lincoln County. Much smaller than the Lowes located only 5 miles away but they are still very busy. Cater to local builders offering better service than the big box stores. I hope they continue to do well. I graduated in high school with the owner who took over the business from his father.

For me Lowes is convenient as it is located directly across from where I work. I know where everything is and I just go in and get what I need. It seems to be staffed pretty well with employees and they will help you if you ask. You do have to pick through the lumber and building supplies though.

With the amount of competition we have in this area I don't see a Menards coming here but I could be wrong. Competition is good for the consumer and I am fortunate to live where I do.

 

[ovrszd]

Menards is coming late to the party. They build their new stores in competitive areas. They thrive on it. Their marketing team is heads above the competition
I've never saw them struggle. They take a huge slice of the pie within months of opening.

 

[check]

In the Toronto area, HD bought Akinheads. A very good and unique hardware store with specialized small volume merchandise and expert sales help. That was a crime. Home Depot is garbage retailing at its finest. My lady friend was a manager there many years ago. She absolutely refuses to set foot in a HD ever again! If you ever Google HD employee complaints, it's quite the amazing and insightful read.

Hey, I remember Akinheads! Best hardware store I have ever been in in my entire life. . Then of course...buyout....HD.... crappy service. Not quite as bad as Canadian Tire, however!

 

[check]

Buying half a dozen 2x4s, maybe. Buying a trailer load, no way. Menards lumber yards are spacious, well stocked and well staffed. When you check in thru the gate they ask if you know where you are going. When you arrive at the stock someone will come by and ask if you need help. A lot of their material is in huge open ended warehousd buildings that I drive my truck and 30ft GN into for loading. Simply no comparison.

Wow. Can we get one of those in Ontario?

 

[Ford850]

Buying half a dozen 2x4s, maybe. Buying a trailer load, no way. Menards lumber yards are spacious, well stocked and well staffed. When you check in thru the gate they ask if you know where you are going. When you arrive at the stock someone will come by and ask if you need help. A lot of their material is in huge open ended warehousd buildings that I drive my truck and 30ft GN into for loading. Simply no comparison.

This is what we did the other night, while it was blowing and snowing. Drove in one of the warehouse buildings that had treated lumber, and slowly eased through until we saw the sign marking 14' lengths. Searched for a decent quality 4x4, and strapped it on the ladder racks while we were out of the wind and snow. An employee asked if we wanted help when we first pulled in, but I said "we got it" so he waived and went back to his work. Just to give you an idea of the size of these buildings, while we were loading, another truck (pulling a trailer) drove through between my truck and the guy working a fork lift.

 

[goeduck]

We have a tiny Do It Best store that is like an old time hardware store. Shelves are packed almost too much, very knowledgeable staff and friendly. Out of season stuff just goes on top of the shelves so you can still find it, they just need to grab a step ladder to get it. Not like the big box places where you have to wait until the next season or buy on line. I like going there but find myself going to the big box stores for a better selection, including lumber which the Best store does not have. I should (and will try to) make every trip a double stop, first at Best, then at HD or Lowes.

 

[Cat_Driver]

It amazes me that large operations will build a mega store ( Walmart, Costco, Sams Club, Home Depot, Lowes, etc.) within a mile of their competition Locally a Costco opened up for a year or two and was booming always crowded and never able to find a parking spot. So Sams club opened across the street, for five years Sams club was empty with few customers and only one register open as that is all that was needed. The Costco never lost a customer and is as busy as ever. Sams club did the same thing across town. Costco opened up across town for a year or two and was booming always crowded and never able to find a parking spot, and Sams club opened a block away. Three year later Sams club closed. Lowes opened a block from Home depot same thing the place is empty when Home depot has crowds. I've seen the same thing with these quick oil change companies. The copy cat store always seems to lose. The only time I've see the opposite work is when Walmart mega store arrives, they wipe out everything withing 10 miles except for hardware stores.

I feel sorry foro Lowes as the employees bend over backwards to help you whereas the Home depot people ignore you and are cluless no matter what question you ask them. I sked for a particular item and the clerk took me to an aisle quickly looked and said "nope we're out" then a custome that overheard what I was looking for reached over and said here they are, as the clerk wasn't even phased looking stupid.