[New Englander]

I went to the grand opening of Home depot today and it's really nice. I don't know if it's bigger than the Lowes nearby but it seems big. Free food give-a-way if you don't mind waiting in a long line. The store seemed fully stocked to me. a huge crowd making it a task to maneuver around. In my old eyes, this new store is a welcome addition.

[asianthree]

Stopped at Sparr today had questions on items I needed from 4 different areas. Each employee answered my questions, added their experience, then walked me to the next area needed and that employee helped. Everyone happy, helpful and loaded my car.

[Pairadocs]

Originally Posted by asianthree

Stopped at Sparr today had questions on items I needed from 4 different areas. Each employee answered my questions, added their experience, then walked me to the next area needed and that employee helped. Everyone happy, helpful and loaded my car.

I LOVE that place, even takes a bit farther drive from my village to get to Sparr, but it's so worth it. Same with Ace Hardware. These places that treat customers as if they actually value them are a pleasure to shop in even if they are just a little bit further, or even a couple pennies more on an item.

[retiredguy123]

I'm glad they are open, but I rarely go to Home Depot or Lowes anymore. Almost everything they sell can be purchased from Amazon, and usually for a lower price and a 2-day or less delivery time.

I will point out that the new Home Depot store is about the same size as their Lady Lake store, but the Wildwood Lowes is significantly smaller than their Lady Lake store. So, sometimes you will not be able to find what you need at the Wildwood Lowes.

[New Englander]

Originally Posted by asianthree

Stopped at Sparr today had questions on items I needed from 4 different areas. Each employee answered my questions, added their experience, then walked me to the next area needed and that employee helped. Everyone happy, helpful and loaded my car.

You are so smart!!

[Ignatz]

Went to the new HD on Saturday evening. So nice to have the store located in that area versus the ones in Leesburg and Lady Lake. Hope they keep it up like it looks today.

[Shipping up to Boston]

Originally Posted by Ignatz

Went to the new HD on Saturday evening. So nice to have the store located in that area versus the ones in Leesburg and Lady Lake. Hope they keep it up like it looks today.

.....and that is the question. Obviously with a new store opening, they’re going to use a template to fill it out. The issue will always be on the customer service end of the operation.....and retention. It’s a great additional amenity but for me....Sparr has never failed in stock or service. I get it for an investor, contractor or DIYer (HD)....but as casual customer, the local, family owned and operated hardware stores are the better.....most consistent option.

[JRcorvette]

Originally Posted by asianthree

Stopped at Sparr today had questions on items I needed from 4 different areas. Each employee answered my questions, added their experience, then walked me to the next area needed and that employee helped. Everyone happy, helpful and loaded my car.

I like Spar and ACE…. They usually have what I need and it is quick and easy to find. Worth paying a little more but they are competitive with the Big Box nightmare.

[MorTech]

HD would be wise to build another store down near Middleton...Costco, as well