Home Improvement Goods
Home improvement stores such as Lowe’s and Home Depot are consumer favorites for good reason. Their vast inventory, knowledgeable staff and bargain prices are the main draw, James says. You’ll find the best deals on hand and power tools, as well as hardware including nails and screws, at these big-box retailers compared to Amazon, he adds.
We found a 1,000-count package of Hitachi brand three-inch framing nails at Lowe’s for $24, while Amazon offered the same package of nails for $31 plus a $9 shipping fee. At Home Depot, a Husky brand 12-inch double speed adjustable wrench cost $15. Amazon had the same wrench available through a third-party merchant for $30 plus a $4.50 shipping fee – more than double Home Depot’s price. Neither items found on Amazon were Prime-eligible.
How are big-box retailers able to hold up against Amazon when others have been hard hit? Amazon has a difficult time competing on price with Home Depot and Lowe’s, because those chains still have more leverage with their suppliers. “They’re able to get their costs down and pass the savings on to their customers,” James says.
