[quote=EconProf]You are so right. The Home Depots and Lowes have really gotten greedy, and you can do a lot better by shopping alternatives for some items. With 35 apts and a bunch of commercial tenants, I’ve come to value HD Supply (HDSupplySolutions.com), a catalogue-only seller of everything the big boxes have and more. They will send you a 2-inch thick catalogue, take orders by phone, and deliver the next day or two (free for over $150 orders) right to your house or business. They are not affiliated any more with Home Depot. Generally cheaper prices, more in-depth inventory, and free returns, including shipping, if you are not happy.
Also, go to WalMart for commonly-used items, as a cheaper alternative to Home Depot and Lowes. Even Dixieline is competitive price-wise now, and offers far better service and presentation than the frustrating Home Depot.[/quote]

Thanks for the tip on HDonline. I like buying online.
It seems to me that the big box stores have always had 1 out of ten items way overpriced compared to their competitors. So you have to watch out for that.

I am wondering though if this is the end of the housing Bust induced price cuts for many items and if prices on the things most marked down will start creeping back up now.These prices have jumped around a lot over the last 15 years.

I agree about Dixieline, great place considering it is a store.