What to get at Lowe's and what to forget
In the battle of the home centers, Lowe’s likes to position itself as the friendliest choice for consumers, with “cleaner, wider, brighter aisles offering a more pleasant shopping experience.” But what about the actual merchandise? You can enjoy shopping for a lawn mower, lightbulb, or bucket of paint 'til you're blue in the face, but if the goods don’t deliver top quality, you won’t stay happy for long. Fortunately, Consumer Reports tests loads of products sold at Lowe’s, including brands exclusive to the store. Many earn top marks, though others landed near the bottom of our Ratings. With that, here’s your guide to a truly pleasant Lowe’s experience.