Shannan,
If I were you I would not buy from a department store as they are not trained on product. I would suggest that you go to a local lawn mower shop for advise.
Myself I have and use the ECHO brand blower as they are still made in Japan and I get a very good life out of them.
The retail is around the $400 mark but you can get them for about $300 and they have a 5 year warranty.
Regards,
Bruce