Lowe's is a home improvement retailer. It says it is the world's second largest. At the end of January 2026 it ran 1,759 home improvement stores and outlets in the United States, with about 196 million square feet of selling space, and over 540 branch locations in the United States and Canada. Its stores sell products for home projects, and it also sells online and through contact centers. Customers can pick up orders in the store or at the curb, or have them delivered. Lowe's was founded in 1921 and has been publicly held since 1961.
Lowe's sells to homeowners and renters who do projects themselves or have others do them, and to Pro customers: tradespeople, repair and remodel workers and property managers. It also offers installation services through independent and third-party installers. Its five-part strategy, called Total Home, aims to bring in more Pro customers, grow online sales, expand home services, build a loyalty program and make better use of store space. It sells both national brands and its own private brands.
In 2025 Lowe's bought Foundation Building Materials and Artisan Design Group, which serve larger Pro customers in residential and commercial markets. Its competitors include national and regional home improvement chains, lumber yards, hardware and paint stores, general merchandise retailers, warehouse clubs and online retailers.