Our History
Together, we deliver the right home improvement products, with the best service and value, across every channel and community we serve.
Together, we deliver the right home improvement products, with the best service and value, across every channel and community we serve.
1921
L.S. Lowe founds 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.
1940
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.
1946
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.
1949
Lowe’s opens its second store, in Sparta, N.C.
1952
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
1958
In 1958, Lowe’s reaches 344 associates. Lowe's then shifts focus from DIY customers to Pros.
1961
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.
1964
Lowe’s serves one million customers annually for the first time.
1979
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.
1981
Lowe’s is listed on the London Stock Exchange as of January 26, 1981.
1982
Lowe’s has its first billion-dollar sales year, earning a record profit of $25 million.
1984
Lowe’s is named a “Top 100 Best Companies to Work for in America” by Fortune Magazine.
1995
In 1995, Lowes.com is launched, marking the company’s entrance into the digital market.
1999
In 1999 the Lowe’s Employee Relief Fund is established to help associates through times of significant financial hardship
2002
Lowe’s joins for the Fortune 100 for the first time with $22B in revenue.
2015
In 2015, Lowe’s continues its global approach to hardware and establishes an office in Bangalore, India.
2018
Robert Niblock retires and Marvin Ellison becomes president and CEO.
2021
Lowe’s commemorates its centennial by celebrating 100 years of service to its customers and communities.