Yes, I've noticed the same with Kmart and BigW, as they both offer very limited stock of hardware items. My guess is that hardware stuff bought from these stores have high rates of returns for reasons such as; 1. They're purchased by people who do not know what they're doing or know what they need. 2. The staff severely lack the knowledge and training needed to help customers to make the right purchase first time. Eg, it wasn't long ago you could buy car parts, such as plugs, points, filters, etc. But it's very difficult at the best of times to ensure that you're buying the right part for your make and model car. Get it wrong and it could end up costing both parties a lot of time and money.
BigW catalogues used to be my favourite - now I think Aldi has the best read; this store's just growing in leaps and bounds with the public, and its small but interesting range of household and hardware goods is quite appealing - even if it's always sold out when I get there!
