Here in St. Paul HD has oak, pine, and poplar. Maybe regional or a unique store manager.
I know HD veteran discounts are spotty here too. I carry a copy of my DD 214 but on my last visit to HD they wanted some special ID from the VA. Doesn't the VA have more important tasks than handing out picture ID's??? My two Lowe's are both quite a distance, relative to HD and Menards so I don't make the trip. I often purchase stock at a real lumberyard in Minneapolis, Youngbloods.