I wouldn't trust anyone from HD or Lowes to inform me how to safely install an electrical outlet, a 220V electrical supply, shingles on my roof, wood stove, propane furnace, paint strippers with fumes that can cause brain damage, etc. They sell PLENTY of things that can hurt you, stoves are no more unsafe than half the things they sell. Many things can harm you or burn down your house when installed or operated poorly. That's life.
The big box stores exist, and prosper, for 2 reasons. Lower costs, and due to significantly reduced quality of service from small business owners. I get just as good advice (none) from Lowes as I do at my local dealer. And before you small fireplace store owners start shitting all over me, clean up your industry. My crappy dealer saw me as a walking dollar sign. No free advice. Let him install it at maximum rates or don't waste his time. My buddy in the next large city had the exact same experience, except he went to 4 or 5 stores looking for some personal service. Every single store did not want to take the time to explain things, instead just wanting him to pay a god-awful service fee for something they could not or would not explain. I maintain small guy service sux IN GENERAL. And it is darn funny how online every store owner is great and says they are not like that. Well, I don't know you. Don't worry, it is not just your industry. Car dealers suck. Boat dealers suck. My lawn service sucks. Everybody wants to just go through the motions and bill the consumer regardless. Not me. Thank god I can figure out how things work and make an educated decision on how soemthing should be done and who, if anybody, I am willing to pay to do it. I think this country operates on the principal that most people are knuckleheads and are too willing to spend every dime they get in their next paycheck, or on a credit card.
/YAY! I feel better now.