The Home Depot

I asked them how they were different from Lowes, they noted that they were more friendly. I think the real difference the the direction you turn, and that they have popcorn. serve yourself and you will find out how unfriendly they can be!
but, I like the popcorn, and will go back!

The staff was friendly and not too pushy with trying to sell things. They seem to have a bigger display of lighting and tile when compared to Lowe’s. However, their selection of appliances seems smaller than Lowe’s.

I just moved to State College, and needed random items — mostly lightbulbs. They had a nice selection, and the staff were knowledgable. This is not like the Home Depot stores I’m used to — everyone was friendly and willing to help!
I’ll definitely be back.

My first time in a Home Depot was this past weekend, on a gorgeous Sunday afternoon. State College has had a Lowe’s for quite some time, but Home Depot just opened within the past month or so. I walked in with my mind set on comparing this store to my prior experiences at Lowe’s, but I feel that’s a valid comparison since they are direct competition and located directly across the street!
The parking lot wasn’t very full. The store itself is very clean and well-​organized, as it should be considering it’s brand new! My experience was so-​so. I needed two specific items, and was looking for a few other random things:
Wood Lattice: I needed something cheap and thin, just to barricade a balcony from our suicidal cat (ok, it’s not really suicide, but it’s quite a jump!). I found the lattice, but needed someone to cut it for me. It took time to find someone to ask for help, and eventually I was told that they cannot cut lattice because their saw is too big and it would just rip the lattice to shreds. I was a little surprised, but I got good help from a woman who helped me pick out a fine-​toothed saw so I can do the job myself.
Zip-​ties: Again, it took three people before someone was able to locate which aisle they were in. I thought this was a pretty common item, but the fact that they were unsure could just be unfamiliarity with the new store (but I would have hoped they’d be familiar by now). Everyone seemed to think they’d be near the rope, but they ended up being in the electrical section. (I guess that makes sense, if you’re tying cords together.)
Window treatments: Very inadequate selection of curtains or drapes. Slightly better selection of blinds and shades. It seems that their «custom» selections are broader, but I did not want to spend the time or money to order something custom-​made.
Rugs: I did not need carpeting or rugs, but they’re located near the window treatments and I got to browsing. They had a very eclectic collection of rugs and my friend and I had fun sorting through them all! I’m sure there is a pattern or fabric type there to please just about anyone.
Check-​out: Very satisfying. No line, the clerk was quick and helpful, and someone had handed me a «$ 10 off a purchase of $ 75 or more» coupon as I was wandering throughout the store, so I was able to use that.
Other details: In general, I didn’t find anything exceedingly special about this Home Depot. I wanted to be wowed but I wasn’t. I felt like Lowe’s would have had a wider selection of some basic items (like wall hooks) or more knowledgeable employees. I don’t think their prices were all that different for the things I was purchasing. I plan to go back after another month or so when I have more time to explore. I especially wanted to check out their Lawn & Garden section but did not have time.