HomeDepot must have read your comments; they've changed!

Since the local hardware store closed in my town (they did great business but the landlord booted them out to bring in high-end merchandising), my next hardware option was the nearby (~40 min drive) HomeDepot.

On my recent visits, someone asked if I needed help looking for something immediately upon entrance. In all instances save one because he was already with a customer, they walked me to the items, no matter how inconsequential the cost: weatherstripping, nails, pendant lights, lawn sprinkler replacement parts.

In times past I would have agreed with you on the lack of customer service, but nowadays the guys in the aisles seem to know their products & answer questions competently.