Having just moved from a city with Home Depot, it ...

Having just moved from a city with Home Depot, it is extremely frustrating not to have one in the Eau Claire area. Menards has a decent enough inventory, but customer service at the stores is definitely inferior to HD. Unlike HD, sales staff are generally inexperienced and have severely limited product knowledge. Most are young people who are probably paid minimum wage and for whom this is an entry-level job.

I intend to drive the extra 30 miles or so to shop at Home Depot if I need any large-ticket items (a lawn tractor, snow thrower, etc), and when I need technical assistance. Menards is the Wal-Mart of home remodeling and hardware stores--but without the great prices.