Home Depot stops doing business with federal government (even cash!)

Saint Louis Today ^ | June 16, 2002

[John Jorsett]

Home Depot Inc., the nation's largest hardware and home-improvement chain, has told its 1,400 stores not to do business with the U.S. government or its representatives.

The Post-Dispatch checked with managers at 38 stores in 11 states. All but two said they had received instructions from Home Depot's corporate headquarters this month not to take government credit cards, purchase orders or even cash if the items are being used by the federal government.

[SoCal Pubbie]

" On the other hand, I've never had luck finding a Home Depot employee that I could bother with with a question, but maybe feds have enough time (on the clock) to solve that problem."

I work part time at Home Depot. Worked an eight hour shift today, as a matter of fact. What's your question?

[SoCal Pubbie]

"I stopped buying at Home Depot immediately after visiting the new Lowe's here. Lowe's is so much better in quality, prices and service, not to mention appearance."

While I admit that Lowe's offers a better shopping environment, I would be surprised if they could beat HD's prices. Also please keep in mind that Lowe's copies everything they do from Home Depot, from their big box format, to weekend how to clinics, to the "Lowe's to Go" rental trucks.

[FreedomSurge]

Home Depot is doing the smart thing. If it does business with the feds it can open itself up to thousands of laws and regulations.

[SoCal Pubbie]

An attorney with the EEOC said: "While Home Depot has a glass ceiling, it traps its female employees in what amounts to a glass basement, with glass walls." According to the EEOC, "in too many instances, women at Home Depot were hired only for jobs such as cashier's positions--but not others."

Our store manager is a woman, the night crew department head and I think the new outdoor garden DH are women, and the company offers special how to succeed at home Depot meetings for women only.

[glm]

Too bad for you since I only have 3 years left until retirement. Then I will have a great retirement package. After putting up with citizens like you I will be happy to take my money to the bank. I will think of you every day I sip my wine as I travel anywhere I want to go. I will be reminded of the nasty citizens we have had to smile at and speak politely too. I will have the last laugh.

[Orion]

Home Depot Inc., the nation's largest hardware and home-improvement chain, has told its 1,400 stores not to do business with the U.S. government or its representatives.

This will, no doubt, be considered some form of terrorism. Death to HD. Tribunals for all.

[Henrietta]

Always, everywhere, at every opportunity - tell Big Stupid Government to jam it.

Amen to that! Love ya, Hank!

[SoCal Pubbie]

"I avoid the local Home Depot for the same reasons that you have listed, and also because the people there are rude and treat you like a nuisance when you want to ask them something. Lowes is a lot better."

The number one thing I was taught at orientation is to greet the customer and WALK him or her to the spot in the store they need to go to find what they are looking for. We have monthly contests for the person who is spotted the most times doing this. If the employees are not recognizing and assisting the customers, the manager is not doing an important part of the job. Contact the store or district manager and complain! I guarantee you'll get results

[SoCal Pubbie]

"I really like Home Depot's "Under no circumstances, at any time, be visible to or make eye contact with a customer" rule."

Something is wrong in your local store. I'd be busted big time for that in my store.

[Hillarys Gate Cult]

I don't know how things are in other parts of the country, but where I live Lowes and Home Depot are across the street from each other in almost every location. I go to Home Depot first and then Lowes to comparison shop. I almost always end up buying at Lowes due to lower prices for the exact same items.

[onedoug]

Or islamism.

[JoeSixPack1]

ISO 9000 - 9002

It's all in the paper trail.

[Kaslin]

If I'm reading the article correctly, nowhere does it say that Home Depot is refusing to do business with military personel

[SoCal Pubbie]

"an indoor/outdoor submersible pump that would come on if it got wet

wall anchors for 1-inch #8 screws (for plaster)

and 25 watt reflective lamps for some mini-spots."

We have those at our store. Tell them to transfer them in from store 6668.

[ColdSteelTalon]

Very Curious about this if it is true. Do the feds have trouble paying their bills or something???

[SoCal Pubbie]

I am very surprised. Home Depot has greater buying power and in Southern California, at least, has better prices.

[Kaslin]

Unfortunately, Home Depot is taking the correct action.

Please explain why it is unfortunate that Home Depot is taking the correct action or did you men fortunately?

[SoCal Pubbie]

"It's odd that Home Depot would take a similiar stance,though. The owner is a dedicated Dim who donates a percentage of his profits each year to gun control."

If you're refering to one of the original founders, he's retired and isn't involved with day to day operations anymore. As someone else mentioned, the owners are a lot of Americans, including the employees.

[RedlegCPT]

No, but you can quit your tax funded employment and get a real job. It is my goverment funded job that allows you to speak your mind. If I did not have this job or quite a few others, you would not have some of the fredoms that you have now. I do not blame HD or anyone else that is tumbing their noses at the Government. If I had chosen a differnet path, and gone into business I would not sell to the federal goverment.