I found the ones in the NE to be quite good and the staff more than helpful. In NE Ohio they were disgusting places. Fortunately there were five Lowes within driving range. The ones around here are OK but the (one) Lowes is better. I like the brands Lowes carries better, too.
That's sorta what I figured but can't prove it.
Yes, this is one of the major advantages of the big box stores. Their return policies are quite customer friendly. Of course they push the cost off to their supplier. My heart bleeds for them.