My first trip to a Menard's was in 2009, when I was working in Indianapolis. This past fall, they just opened up one about 5 miles away from me. I like their selection, their prices, and their service. I would go there before I go to Home Depot or Lowe's.

And I haven't forgotten the smaller local hardware stores,like Centerville Ace Hardware. They had a replacement power cord for a Salton Hotray heating plate; Menard's didn't carry any such cord.