Lowe’s Home Improvement Guide for Shoppers and Businesses

Lowe’s is a leading home improvement retailer offering products, installation services, pro solutions, and online shopping at hundreds of stores across the U.S. This article explores Lowe’s history, store and digital services, buying guides for DIYers and professionals, and future trends to help readers shop smarter and tackle projects with confidence. It also covers pricing, loyalty programs, and money-saving tips.

Lowe’s Home Improvement History, Size, and Business Overview

Lowe’s Home Improvement stands as a leading national home improvement store, headquartered in Mooresville, North Carolina, serving both DIY homeowners and construction professionals.

Lowe’s, recognized as a powerhouse within the home improvement sector, currently operates over 1,700 stores throughout the United States, creating a comprehensive retail footprint for projects of every size. In recent years, Lowe’s has demonstrated remarkable financial resilience and growth; for fiscal 2024, Lowe’s Home Improvement reported total sales surpassing $83 billion, while its net sales in fiscal 2023 reached approximately $86.4 billion — solidifying its identity as a top retail player. Behind this impressive operation is a dedicated workforce, with approximately 300,000 employees nationwide, working across its expansive network to deliver products, services, and expertise.

Year-over-year, Lowe’s exhibits adaptability despite challenging macroeconomic conditions. While its 2024 figures reflect a slight dip from the previous year — mirroring broader industry trends — Lowe’s remains a consistent performer and innovator. For individual shoppers and Pro customers alike, these robust sales figures translate to substantial buying power, trusted product selection, and ongoing investment in store upgrades and services, ensuring that Lowe’s Home Improvement continues to meet evolving consumer expectations. With a fiercely competitive market alongside other big-box retailers, Lowe’s remains one of the premier destinations for all home improvement store needs.

  • Founded: 1946
  • Headquarters: Mooresville, North Carolina
  • Store Count: Over 1,700 locations across the U.S.
  • Workforce: Approximately 300,000 employees
  • Recent Sales Numbers: Net sales of about $86.4 billion in fiscal 2023; total sales over $83 billion in fiscal 2024
  • Core Business Lines: Retail sales of hardware, building materials, appliances, home décor, garden supplies, and professional contractor services

For anyone searching for Lowe’s Home Improvement or a trusted home improvement store, these figures demonstrate both the scale and ongoing strength that support shoppers and Pros across the nation.

For product insights and expert evaluations, check out our dedicated Reviews category to help you choose the best home improvement items with confidence.

Lowe’s Home Improvement In-Store Experience and Digital Shopping Options

Lowe’s home improvement store network is designed for convenience and accessibility, with wide aisles, distinct department zones, and a strategic footprint in urban and suburban areas nationwide. The typical Lowe’s location follows a logical layout: major categories like lumber, tools, appliances, and flooring line the periphery, while seasonal and promotional products — including outdoor garden items, patio furniture, or holiday décor — are showcased in areas near the main entrance or dedicated garden centers. This ever-changing display helps drive inspiration and easy access to trending projects with a fresh look throughout the year.

The in-store experience at Lowe’s is enhanced by numerous value-added services. Customers can take advantage of Buy Online, Pick Up In Store (BOPIS) and same-day delivery options for their convenience. Tool and equipment rental provides a cost-effective solution for both one-off tasks and extended projects. Lowe’s also offers key cutting, paint matching and custom mixing, on-site design centers for kitchens and baths, and free project consultations with experienced associates.

The typical customer journey begins with clearly marked directories at the entrance and intuitive department signage. Associates are stationed throughout, ready to assist with product questions, the location of special order items, or referrals to vetted installation professionals. The checkout area is equipped with both self-service lanes and staffed registers for efficiency — especially during high-traffic periods. As merchandising changes with the seasons — think grills and plants in spring, snow blowers and lights for winter — Lowe’s adjusts traffic flows and signage to make navigation simple.

In-store services for homeowners:

  • Buy online, pick up in store (BOPIS)
  • Same day or next day delivery
  • Paint color matching and mixing
  • Key duplication
  • Tool and truck rental
  • Free consultations and project guides
  • On-site design centers (kitchen, bath, flooring)

In-store benefits for professional contractors:

  • Pro Zone parking and check-in
  • Bulk order and volume discounts
  • Job site delivery scheduling
  • Exclusive Pro desk support
  • Tool rental and repair support
  • Business account management

Lowe’s Home Improvement stores enhance accessibility with wide aisles, clear signage, wheelchair-friendly facilities, and staff trained to assist all guests. All associates receive regular product training and are up to date on installation partnerships, making it easy to get expert advice or schedule service on the spot. When visiting your local Lowe’s, check the in-store event board for free workshops and ask about special order products for unique projects.

Choosing products and planning home projects

Lowe’s Home Improvement offers a vast assortment of products across key home project categories: appliances, tools, hardware, lumber, plumbing, electrical, paint, and outdoor living. Each area caters to both DIY shoppers and professionals seeking quality home improvement products at competitive prices.

In appliances, shoppers find refrigerators, washers, dryers, ovens, and dishwashers. When selecting appliances, measure spaces carefully for fit and look for ENERGY STAR models to save on long-term utility costs. Compare features such as finish, shelving flexibility, and smart technology integrations before purchasing.

Tools range from power drills to saws, hand tools, and lawn equipment for every skill level. For casual repairs, multi-tool kits often have the essentials; serious DIYers or pros should research voltage, battery life, and ergonomic design for comfort.

Hardware covers fasteners, locks, cabinet hardware, and hinges. Always match the finish and size to your project, and don’t hesitate to bring a sample for in-store advice.

Lumber includes dimensional lumber, plywood, trim, and specialty woods. For framing, opt for standard grades; visible or decorative projects need higher grades and smoother finishes. Ask for straight, unwarped pieces to ensure the best result.

Plumbing covers faucets, valves, toilets, and pipes. Match fixture size and compatibility and consider water-saving features. For major replacements or code-specific needs, consult a Lowe’s pro or local plumber.

Electrical features lighting, wiring, outlets, and smart home devices. Safety is key, so check amp ratings and ensure compatibility with your existing circuit.

Paint supplies range from primers and stains to finishes. Choose sheen based on room use (matte for low-traffic, gloss for durability), and prep walls with patching compounds and proper cleaning.

Outdoor living spans patio furniture, grills, and garden tools. Buy weather-resistant materials and measure outdoor spaces before purchase.

  • Kobalt (tools and storage)
  • Project Source (lighting, plumbing, flooring)
  • Utilitech (lighting and electrical)
  • allen + roth (decor and fixtures)
  • Portfolio (lighting)
  • Origin 21 (furniture and decor)

Kobalt and other Lowe’s private brands often provide strong performance and warranty at a lower price compared to national brands, making them an excellent pick for quality and value-conscious buyers.

For complicated projects — like electrical, plumbing, or custom kitchen installations — consult in-store experts or arrange for professional installation to ensure safety and compliance.

  • Confirm product measurements to ensure fit
  • Review return and exchange policies
  • Compare product and manufacturer warranties
  • Check for available installation and haul-away services
  • Assess financing or special order options as needed

Pro services commercial solutions and installation options

Lowe’s Home Improvement has established a powerful presence for professional contractors and business buyers through its Lowe’s For Pros and MyLowe’s Pro Rewards programs, providing tailored solutions that go beyond typical home improvement store offerings. Lowe’s For Pros is designed to serve contractors, property managers, remodelers, and small businesses with exclusive perks. MyLowe’s Pro Rewards enables Pros to earn rewards with every qualifying purchase, combining cost savings with business management tools.

Key benefits for Pros and business customers at Lowe’s include:

  • Exclusive volume pricing and bulk purchase discounts on building materials, appliances, and seasonal inventory.
  • Dedicated account management with personalized order assistance and project consultations.
  • Purchase tracking and account management, streamlining expense categorization for bookkeeping and tax season.
  • Access to extended payment terms and credit options for improved cash flow on large-scale jobs.

Lowe’s Pro services are engineered for efficiency and business growth:

  • Job-site and direct-to-site delivery, ensuring materials arrive where and when they’re needed.
  • Custom pricing on high-volume orders and trade partner discounts.
  • Installation coordination for complex projects, connecting with licensed, background-checked professionals.
  • Digital tools: an invoicing portal for streamlined billing, purchase tracking, and robust mobile app features for order management and inventory check.

The MyLowe’s Pro Rewards program works simply: Pros earn points or MyLowe’s Money for every dollar spent at Lowe’s Home Improvement stores, online, or through the app. These rewards can be immediately redeemed for qualified supplies, exclusive tool offers, or gift cards, making it easy to reinvest in your business.

Pros: To set up a Lowe’s For Pros account, register online or in-store, then link your business card and start benefiting from member pricing, dedicated support, and seamless, trackable savings from the first purchase.

Homeowners should consider Lowe’s Pro services when tackling major home remodels, investment property renovations, or installations involving multiple trades — such as HVAC, electrical panels, or luxury appliance suites — where project management, job-site delivery, and specialty installation are vital. For DIY-level projects, everyday consumer channels provide ample support and value, but for complex builds, Pro offerings ensure timelines and budgets stay on track while leveraging Lowe’s extensive contractor-focused expertise. Use Lowe’s business solutions to get reliable materials, transparent pricing, and streamlined logistics for all your home improvement needs.

Sustainability innovations future trends and how to get the best value

Lowe’s omnichannel approach empowers shoppers to seamlessly blend in-store and digital experiences, maximizing convenience and value for every home improvement project. As one of the largest home improvement retailers, Lowe’s leverages advanced digital tools to make browsing, planning, and shopping easy from any device. The robust Lowe’s website features an extensive online catalog with real-time inventory, detailed product descriptions, ratings, and reviews to help you confidently choose supplies, tools, appliances, and décor.

Online installation booking lets you schedule expert service for everything from new flooring to window treatments. For inspiration and DIY know-how, interactive project guides and how-to videos are always accessible, providing step-by-step advice tailored to every user’s skill level. The Lowe’s mobile app brings even more convenience, allowing users to check local store inventory, manage online orders, access digital receipts, and use the built-in barcode scanner for instant price checks while in-store.

Time and money-saving online shopping tips at Lowe’s include:

  • Sign up for a MyLowe’s account to track purchase history, organize shopping lists, and seamlessly access receipts for returns.
  • Take advantage of digital coupons, app-exclusive promotions, and updated weekly deals on high-demand home improvement items.
  • Check for Buy Online, Pick Up In Store (BOPIS) options to skip shipping fees and get orders faster.
  • Compare home and curbside delivery windows, especially for bulk items or appliances, to coordinate with project timelines.
  • Ask about Lowe’s price match policy both online and in-store to ensure you always pay the lowest price available.
  • Review current return and warranty policies online to make hassle-free purchase decisions.

Key future trends shaping Lowe’s and the wider home improvement sector include smart home technology integration, the expansion of eco-friendly and sustainably sourced products, supply chain innovations for faster fulfillment, and enhanced digitization of Pro services — such as remote project management and digital invoicing — empowering both homeowners and contractors.

For the ultimate home improvement experience, combine Lowe’s expert in-store guidance with these powerful online tools to save time, money, and effort on every project.

Conclusions

Lowe’s blends a wide product selection, installation and pro services, and expanding digital tools to serve DIYers and contractors. Understanding store services, online options, financing basics, and project planning helps shoppers save time and money. Use the guidance, checklists, and practical tips in this guide to compare options, plan projects with confidence, and pick Lowe’s solutions that best meet your budget and home improvement goals.