Can’t decide between Lowe’s and The Home Depot? This article compares the two retailers of home improvement products.
There are many similarities between Lowe’s and The Home Depot, which can make choosing between them difficult. There is constant competition between the two in terms of pricing and perks for home improvement products.
Home Depot vs. Lowe’s: What’s the Difference?
Almost anything one might need to improve, beautify, or fix up their home can be found at Lowe’s and The Home Depot. In addition, both offer skilled tradespeople and staff experts to help customers who need additional assistance. The nuances of each retailer, however, are unique to them.
Stainmaster carpet, Allen + Roth home decor, and Project Source kitchen cabinets are Lowe’s exclusive in-house brands. Home Depot, on the other hand, specializes in proprietary brands, such as Ryobi tools, ChemDry carpet stain removers, Behr paint, and ChemDry carpet stain removers.
The atmosphere of the store and brands that you prefer may determine your preference.
Lowe’s
Lowe’s Store Atmosphere
Almost no city or large town in North America lacks one of its roughly 2,200 stores. Lowe’s offers everything you need and little of what you don’t when you shop in-store, where you’ll find a well-lit warehouse atmosphere. There is no frill when it comes to shopping at Lowe’s. Providing quality products at an affordable price is all about customer service.
Lowe’s Customer Service
Lowe’s customer service is renowned for being attentive and expert. Skilled experts are always on hand to help you purchase renovation equipment or Lowe’s holiday gifts. The plumbing equipment department is often staffed by a professional plumber, and you can pick lumber from a skilled handyman. We will provide you with skill-based assistance regardless of the reason you’re there.
Lowe’s Brand Selection
Additionally, Lowe’s offers a wide selection of quality hand tools that other stores do not carry as readily. It’s easy for customers to rent tools at Lowe’s locations. Home Depot’s staff is rated higher than Lowe’s for knowledge and friendliness than Lowe’s. Later, I’ll talk more about that.
Lowe’s Return Policy
Customers also return to Lowe’s because of its return policy. A return or exchange is possible with proof of purchase within 90 days of the original purchase date for most new, unused merchandise.
It is important to note that there are some exceptions to this rule. Returns may be allowed for members of Lowe’s Business Advantage and Business Rewards programs in some cases. You can buy a lot of standard items at Lowe’s, as well as some weird things. Also included in this category are some commercial purchases. A Lowe’s in-store shopping pro raves about it, making work more efficient and stress-free for contractors and tradespeople.
Lowe’s Prices and Discounts
Several military discounts are also available through Lowes, including those for veterans, active-duty service members, and their spouses. There is no annual limit on military discounts, both in stores and online. Through ID.me, you can verify your status and qualify for the discount. All Lowe’s rewards members can also enjoy discounts, freebies, and incentives through the Lowe’s rewards program.
The Home Depot
The Home Depot Store Atmosphere
In terms of the store itself, the Home Depot is similar to Lowe’s in its warehouse-like atmosphere. You’ll find everything from plumbing equipment to cabinetry here, including high ceilings and high shelves. Mid-afternoon is a good time for shopping at The Home Depot because it is less busy.
With 2,300 stores across North America, The Home Depot makes it easy for shoppers in most large cities to make in-store purchases and pickups.
The Home Depot Customer Service
Reviews and shoppers report that The Home Depot is similar to Lowe’s, but employees are a bit more responsive to customer needs.
There’s a good reason for that, too. Upon joining Home Depot, employees are given the opportunity to purchase direct stock and become shareholders. This makes every Home Depot employee an equity holder. We’re betting that helps quite a bit, even though we can’t say for sure how much.
The Home Depot Brand Selection
In the Lowe’s vs. Home Depot debate, this retailer offers best-selling exclusive brands like Behr Paint and ChemDry carpet stain removers. There are also times when The Home Depot offers customers free stuff. The impressive collection of weird gadgets and stuff also keeps shoppers coming back.
The Home Depot Return Policy
A 90-day return policy is offered by The Home Depot as well as Lowe’s. The company website says you can return your purchase to any Home Depot and get your money back instantly or exchange it for another item. You will need to bring a copy of your receipt or shipping confirmation email, as well as the credit card you used to purchase the item and a valid photo identification.
The Home Depot Prices and Discounts
The Home Depot’s yellow sales tags and prices marked .03 and .06 can help you save money. In three weeks, the item will move to clearance or be donated to charity (and is usually the lowest price). In six weeks, the price will be lowered by .06.
Recurring shoppers can also save and get rewards through Home Depot’s loyalty program. When it comes to Lowe’s vs. The Home Depot, this subtle clue helps give the orange-hued retailer the edge.
Active servicemen and veterans with honorable status, as well as their spouses, are also eligible for a 10 percent military discount at Home Depot. Select items are eligible for the discount both in-store and online, but there is a maximum discount of $400 that resets every January.
Visit The Home Depot’s site to apply through SheerID. You will automatically receive your discount once you have verified your account. Your virtual ID can be shown at the check out counter if you are in store.
Lowe’s vs. The Home Depot Black Friday 2022 Sales
With their irresistible doorbuster sales and Black Friday deals, both stores do their best to lure customers. Last year, both retailers offered a variety of tools at steep discounts during Black Friday sales.
It shouldn’t make a difference in the debate between Lowe’s and The Home Depot this year. The best bargains will be offered at both stores between November 25 and December 1, 2022. Over the course of November, you can expect loads of discounts on items from The Home Depot’s gift guide and Lowe’s Flex power tools.
Both stores are also offering Black Friday appliance sales. There are usually bold discounts offered at Lowe’s and The Home Depot on major appliances and free upgrades including delivery and removal of old appliances. Seasonal offerings such as holiday lights and Christmas trees will also be heavily promoted.
Black Friday deals from The Home Depot include DeWalt tools, Samsung refrigerators, and Google Nest smart home devices. There is a special Cyber Deals section available during Lowe’s Provember and Black Friday sales. Keep up with daily product selections by bookmarking the page.
In addition to Lowe’s Last Chance Deals, The Home Depot Savings Center also offers rock-bottom prices on items from previous seasons. There may be a 70 percent discount on these products.
Lowe’s vs. The Home Depot: The Bottom Line
There’s no way you can go wrong shopping at either store because they both offer a wide selection of home improvement items at low prices.
It all comes down to your preference for brands in the Lowe’s vs. Home Depot debate. The Home Depot is the only place to purchase Behr paints and Andersen windows. Pella Windows, a popular competitor, is exclusively sold at Lowe’s.
