To adults, a day’s shopping at Lowe’s is what Christmas is to children – and it’s easy to see why. The one-stop-home-improvement-shop has it all. You name it, Lowe’s has got it. From ceiling fans and floor paint to lighting, toilet seats, and lighting for your toilet seat!
The home improvement giant started as a single hardware store in 1921 and has been wowing customers since. Lowe’s offers a wide range of products at competitive prices and is the perfect starting point for all home improvements and repairs.
It’s a great place to draw inspiration, even if you’re not planning on buying anything. Their motto, “Never Stop Improving,” is indicative of this.
It all seems too good to be true, right? Surely there’s a catch? Like most things in life, there is a downside, and shopping at Lowe’s is no different. And just because it’s available at Lowes, doesn’t mean it’s the best option. Let’s look at some of the things you should never buy at Lowe’s, below.
Cleaning Supplies
First up, cleaning supplies. Remember when I mentioned that just because it’s there doesn’t mean you have to buy it? Cleaning products are those items that you should buy from Lowe’s on impulse. More often than not, their range is more limited than your local grocery store and their prices are not competitive. Less for more? Not on my watch!
Home Décor
Home décor products are readily available at the home improvement giant, but should you buy them? Probably not. While they stock things like mirrors, lamps, plants, and accessories, they may not be of such great quality, and the options can be rather limited. You’re better off shopping at a boutique store that offers more variety, better quality, and appeals to your taste.
Wall Art
Again, wall art is readily available at Lowe’s but is usually of lower quality and with less variety. Since they aren’t unique, you’re also likely to see the same artwork in other couples’ apartments or families’ homes. Rather, buy from a small gallery or individual artist. Besides, supporting small businesses and entrepreneurs is cool!
Turf
So, you want to save on water costs and replace that pesky grass? Or do you want to provide a place for your furry friends to hang out? Instead, seek the advice and services of a local artificial grass specialist. While turf is available at Lowe’s, your options will be limited, the quality might be inferior, and getting the assistance and advice you need will be difficult. Go on, give ol’ Bob from Turf Territory Specialists a call – he’ll provide all the advice you need.
Floor Rugs
Floor rugs and runners are things that can make or break a space. You want a great-quality rug or runner to fit the look and feel of your living room or bedroom, so rather shop at a specialty store. Lowe’s does offer these products, but again, you will compromise on quality and variety. Besides, every home and room is unique, and finding that perfect fit is sometimes more challenging than it may seem.
Appliances
Appliance shopping is something that requires expert advice, which you’re not going to get at Lowe’s, unfortunately. It’s best to visit a specialist appliance store to purchase that new fridge, microwave, or oven. You’ll get the expert advice you need, and the warranty coverage is probably going to be better – something that can save you a lot of money in the future!
Lowe’s Credit Card
Finally, don’t get caught by that dangling carrot that is a Lowe’s credit card! I know it’s very tempting, and all the benefits lure you in, but it can actually cost you more money. It’s easy to rack up a hefty bill when you visit a Lowe’s store, especially if you’re down in the dumps and looking for some retail therapy. The interest rates on their credit cards are high, so those monthly repayments can hurt you.
The other downside is that their credit cards have several restrictions, the main one being that you can only use them in-store. That means no shopping from the comfort of your office chair, massaging leather lazy boy, or your pool lounger.
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Andrew Herrig is a finance expert and money nerd and the founder of Wealthy Nickel, where he writes about personal finance, side hustles, and entrepreneurship. As an avid real estate investor and owner of multiple businesses, he has a passion for helping others build wealth and shares his own family’s journey on his blog.
Andrew holds a Masters of Science in Economics from the University of Texas at Dallas and a Bachelors of Science in Electrical Engineering from Texas A&M University. He has worked as a financial analyst and accountant in many aspects of the financial world.
Andrew’s expert financial advice has been featured on CNBC, Entrepreneur, Fox News, GOBankingRates, MSN, and more.
