@Brigitta I do a lot of my shopping online with Lowes for in-store pickup. That way I can still get ebates and have the items at the register waiting for my arrival.
I think in my case, it depends on which store you are going to pickup. I had one store never call to tell me the sale item I ordered on-line was not available. I finally called them to find out why my order wasn't ready and the clerk told me it was no longer available and my question to her was "didn't she think that she should call me and tell me that?". She had no answer and seems surprised that I would even expect that to be done. So I had her cancel my 2 orders (they were the only store with one item), so I opted to use that store - never again.
My preferred store calls to tell me the order is ready, sends an email, and will call if any of the items are not available. I have never had a problem with that Lowes but the others have some customer service training to do. A lot of the on-line store experience has to do with the management and what their expectations are for their employees.
......You look like I need a drink.....