Home Improvement Big Box stores in the Valley (Phoenix, Chandler: appointed, countertops)

[DougStark]

Hey,

I just got back from a short trip to the midwest (Illinois.) While there, I went into the town's Menards store.
I was SO impressed!! I probably spent over two hours there looking at all the items!!

If you're not familiar with Menards, it's the #3 home improvement store in the nation, behind Lowe's and Home Depot. It's a privately owned company based in Eau Claire, WI. Their stores are only in the midwest states unfortunately. BTW, Menards ranked TOP in customer satisfaction by JD Power in 2018.

After looking at all Menards had to offer, I felt shortchanged that we (in AZ) are stuck with only Home Depot and Lowe's. Has anyone else been disappointed by the two big box leaders?

Another point: Are all valley Home Depot and Lowe's stores the same?, or are some bigger and better than others? I always head to the ones closest to me (West Chandler.) This may be the case; For example, I know not all Walmarts are "created equal"-- some are massive and impressive and some are just so so.

Let me know your opinions.

[asufan]

I'm a fairly active home rehabber here so I occasionally find myself in hardware/home improvement stores. If I know what I want I pop into the Lowe's at Fulton Ranch and pick it up without issue. If I need help with a certain bolt size or have a question I go to the Ace Hardware as they are more helpful. I've never had a problem or a need for "more" from a hardware store, I'm fine as it is.

[pbenjamin]

My only experience with such places is with Home Depot and Lowe's. When we moved here in 1979 they didn't exist yet, at least not here. The biggest deal around was O'Malley's. I tend to prefer Lowe's over Home Depot, but the best bet when looking for something is to go where there are both of them near the same location. There are no big box stores in midtown so we have to go a distance to get to one. I head to the Lowe's at 75th Ave and McDowell, there is a Home Depot across the intersection. I think that the competition keeps both stores on their toes in terms of selection and customer service.

At the end of the day I prefer Ace Hardware when a big box store isn't needed.

[Sno0909]

Menards is the best. Just as Meijer is the best grocery store. Both private, Midwest companies.

[DrDog]

Originally Posted by Sno0909

Menards is the best. Just as Meijer is the best grocery store. Both private, Midwest companies.

They have these in Phoenix?

[thinkalot]

For Lowes you look online and you can see if it is in stock, what aisle, and what bin #, and I think how many. If your local store doesn't have it you can check the next closest one.

[Bondurant]

Originally Posted by Sno0909

Menards is the best. Just as Meijer is the best grocery store. Both private, Midwest companies.

Meijer has slipped as they expanded. My hometown Meijer, the Grand Haven store and others are just "meh".

[smoochaz]

I prefer Lowe's than Home Depot as they have more of a selection - just redid my kitchen and cabinet handles as an example Home Depot a bit disappointing, Lowe's pleasantly surprised! Ace is right down the street from me as wel.... so more than enough for me

[Burning Madolf]

Originally Posted by thinkalot

For Lowes you look online and you can see if it is in stock, what aisle, and what bin #, and I think how many. If your local store doesn't have it you can check the next closest one.

Home Depot too. That's the only way I'll use them.

[KurtAZ]

We used to have an Ace just down the street...I always stopped in there to see if they had what I needed. Unfortunately 90% of the time they didn't so I had to go to Home Depot/Lowe's. The Fulton Ranch locations are right across the street from each other so it makes it convenient. Home Depot seems to stock more of the "I need to replace this piece in my standard build home" construction type materials while Lowe's has the "I want to replace this whole thing" upgraded stuff. Really easy to comparison shop between the 2 as well...when we put in our new countertops, both stores had the granite we wanted but Lowe's was the least expensive of the 2 for the same material, installations, etc. Plus I was able to use my 10% Veteran Discount...which was nice. Apparently they both use the same slab company in town.

That being said...I have never really crowed about a hardware store so...what exactly about Menards is it that impressed you so much?