Founded in 1921, Lowe’s Inc. is a leading home improvement retailer serving approximately 20+ million customers per week across 2,200+ home improvement stores in the United States and Canada.
As a Fortune® 50 company with sales of $96 billion in 2021, Lowe’s Inc. employs more than 3,00,000 associates globally.
Our History
It’s been 100 years since we’ve embarked on our journey to become one of the largest home improvement retailers in the world.
First General Store Opens
L.S. Lowe founded Lowe's North Wilkesboro Hardware. In addition to hardware and building materials, the store sold sewing notions, dry goods, horse tack, snuff produce, and groceries.
Jim Lowe Takes Helm
L.S. Lowe’s son, Jim Lowe, takes over the hardware store in 1940 after his father’s passing. Shortly thereafter, Lowe served in WWII and offered his brother-in-law, Carl Buchan, part ownership in the company.
Lowe's of Today is born
Anticipating the dramatic increase in construction after World War II, Lowe’s joint-owner Carl Buchan re-focuses the company solely on home improvement products.
Growth in North Carolina
Lowe’s opens its second store, in Sparta, N.C.
Leadership and growth
With hopes of becoming a national chain, Carl Buchan becomes the sole owner of Lowe’s, ending his joint ownership with Jim Lowe. The Lowe's name, however, remains.
Growing Stronger
In 1958, Lowe’s reaches 344 associates. Lowe's then shifts focus from DIY customers to Pros.
Lowe's Goes Public
Lowe’s becomes a publicly-traded company on October 10, 1961. Roughly 400,000 shares are sold at $12.25 per share on the first day of trading.
One Million
Lowe’s serves one million customers annually for the first time.
Welcome to NYSE
On December 19, Lowe’s is listed on the New York Stock Exchange.
London Stock Exchange
Lowe’s is listed on the London Stock Exchange as of January 26, 1981.
One Billion
Lowe’s has its first billion-dollar sales year, earning a record profit of $25 million.
Best Company to Work For
Lowe’s is named among the “Top 100 Best Companies to Work for in America” by Fortune Magazine.
Entering the Digital Age
In 1995, Lowes.com is launched, marking the company’s entrance into the digital market.
Supporting Associates
In 1999, the Lowe’s Employee Relief Fund is established to help associates through times of significant financial hardship.
Fortune 100
Lowe’s is named a “Top 100 Best Companies to Work for in America.” by Fortune Magazine.
International Company
Lowe’s expands outside of the United States in 2007, opening its first stores in Canada in December.
Expanding to India
In 2015, Lowe’s continues its global approach to hardware and establishes an office in Bangalore, India.
Northern Growth
Lowe’s purchases RONA in 2016, expanding its reach in Canada.
Marvin Ellison Joins Lowe's
Robert Niblock retires and Marvin Ellison becomes president and CEO.
100 Years Of Being
The First Choice
For Home Improvement
What started off as a small-town hardware store has evolved into one of the world’s largest retailers today. We carry a 100-year legacy in delivering the right home improvement products, with the best service and value, across every channel and community we serve. We believe in making homes better for all, even for the next 100 years!
Lowe's India
Our India Center is the driving force propelling our $96 billion home improvement business. We leverage talent, technology, and innovation to provide groundbreaking solutions that enable an unparalleled phygital retail experience for our 20+ million customer base every week.
Our global capability center in Bengaluru, with 3,600 best-in-class associates, delivers value-driven services across 3 key verticals.
Technology
Business Services
Shared Services
Our Total Home Strategy
Our team in India embodies the ethos of Lowe’s Inc. We keep our customers at the heart of what we do and strive to offer a best-in-class omnichannel retail experience everyday.
At Lowe’s, we are committed to offering everything a homeowner needs for a total home solution. And that’s why we introduced our Total Home Strategy to enhance customer engagement and grow market share by intensifying our focus on the Pro customer, expanding our online business, modernizing installation services, improving localization efforts and elevating our product assortment.
5 Focus Areas to Drive Market Share Acceleration
Our Leadership Team
From sharing their expertise with industry leaders to powering innovations in retail tech, our executive leadership team ensures setting new benchmarks to improve the lives of our customers while providing aid to associates’ growth.
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