Lowe's

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Whether you’re looking for a bottle of Simple Green cleaner, a landscape lighting system, or anything else remotely related to home improvement, chances are you’ll find it at this hands-on big-box behemoth. The store bears more than a passing resemblance to younger chain Home Depot, with its towering shelves and avenue-long aisles. Navigating the space can be a challenge, but once at the right section, the stock is largely user-friendly: The flooring, paint, plumbing, and kitchen sections have wide-ranging sample displays of carpeting, color swatches, faucets, and cabinetry, along with red-vest-clad staff members to assist with selections. And exterior needs get just as much attention�seeds and potted plants, fertilizer, park benches, and cast-iron outdoor fireplaces all occupy a sizable chunk of floor space. For an additional fee, Lowe’s offers delivery and installation services�ideal for weightier purchases like a Jenn-Air four-burner gas grill or Maytag washing machine. — Alex Littlefield