I used Lowes, not in the Htgn area but...
They usually have great contractors because they provide them with good business. They won't keep a contractor who doesn't do great work.
They also have some flexibility on cost verses others due to their size. I wanted a particular Pella Window. Pella rep came to the house and asked what cost range I was looking for. Told him $10-$12k and he said he couldn't help me. Lowes gave me the same windows for $9500.