Here, we have Home Depot, Lowes and Ace in my town, plus a small independent. In the next towns from me we have True Value and Do It Best.

I never really go to those last two as they're further away and I haven't been to the small independent in a while. I should see if they sell lighting, frankly I don't remember.

From Home Depot and Lowes I can't really pick a favorite. As far as lighting, I think Lowes is more progressive with LED, at least the one here. A lot of their security lighting has shifted to LED, while Home Depot still sells a lot of HID fixtures.

Each one has their own items they sell that the other doesn't so I can't really pick a favorite from the two. I don't usually go to Ace, but oftentimes they'll have something that the other two don't have that I need. But Ace closes really early so I rarely get the chance to go.

Spenard Builders Supply (Alaska home improvement/lumber chain) is one I prefer in terms of shopping locally.  But since their selection is a bit limited and they are frankly somewhat overpriced by second for lumber type stuff is Home Depot, Lowes if HD doesn't have it. 

For nuts-bolts stuff, I know several Sentry and True Value franchises I visit frequently. 

HD or Lowe’s they’re both fine

I love my ACE.  It's big for an ACE and has a ton of things that HD and Lowe's does not have. 

I love my ACE.  It's big for an ACE and has a ton of things that HD and Lowe's does not have. 

I go to ACE sometimes, that is if I ever come out of Aspen to Denver

I go to Lowes and Home Depot interchangeably.  However, I prefer Home Depot for lighting products because they carry Philips and some Sylvania now.  I'll go to Ace for their specialty brands like Yeti Coolers and Big Green Egg grills.  There's a Do It Best hardware store in Landrum, SC that has some NOS lighting that I bought.  I definitely like the smaller feel of Ace and Do It shops because I feel like I can find items more easily.

Menard.... Or as I like to say it.. Mynards  .... They have good selection.. And a name that's easy to make fun of... What's not to like lmao

The ones i goto the most are Osh, Home Depot, and Lowe's.