Lowe’s

Lowe’s grew from a small-town hardware store in North Carolina to one of the largest home improvement retailers in the world. Then and now, we’re committed to helping homeowners, renters and professionals improve their homes and businesses.

The people we serve are at the heart of everything we do. Our employees have extensive home improvement experience and training to provide you with expert advice to help you complete your project. From emergency repairs to dream remodels, we’ve designed our business to serve you when you need us most.

Lowe’s grew from a small-town hardware store in North Carolina to one of the largest home improvement retailers in the world. We have a long tradition of always putting the people we serve at the heart of everything we do. This is our story.

First department store opens1921
LS Lowe founds Lowe's North Wilkesboro Hardware. In addition to hardware and building materials, the store sells sewing supplies, dry goods, saddlery, snuff products, and groceries.

Jim Lowe takes over as CEO1940
LS Lowe's son Jim Lowe takes over the hardware store in 1940 after his father's death. Shortly thereafter, Lowe fights in World War II and transfers partial ownership of the company to his brother-in-law, Carl Buchan.

Today's Lowe's is born1946
Anticipating a dramatic increase in the construction industry after World War II, Lowe's co-owner Carl Buchan refocuses the company on home improvement products.

Growth in North Carolina1949
Lowe's opens second store in Sparta, North Carolina

Leadership and Growth1952
Hoping to make Lowe's a national chain, Carl Buchan becomes sole owner of Lowe's, ending his co-ownership with Jim Lowe. The Lowe's name remains, however.

Going Strong1958
In 1958, Lowe's has 344 employees. Lowe's then shifts its focus from DIY customers to professionals.

Lowe's Goes Public1961
On October 10, 1961, Lowe's becomes a public company. On the first day of trading, approximately 400,000 shares are sold at $12.25 per share.

One Million1964
For the first time, Lowe's reaches 1 million customers per year.

Welcome to the New York Stock Exchange1979
On December 19, Lowe's was listed on the New York Stock Exchange.

London Stock Exchange1981
Lowe's was listed on the London Stock Exchange on January 26, 1981.

Billions1982
Lowe's achieved $1 billion in sales for the first time and recorded $25 million in profits.

Best Company to Work For1984
Lowe's was named one of Fortune magazine's "100 Best Companies to Work For in America."

Entering the Digital Age1995
In 1995, Lowes.com went online, marking the company's entry into the digital marketplace.

Supporting Partners1999
In 1999, the Lowe's Employee Relief Fund was established to help employees through major financial hardship.

2002
Lowe's first entered the Fortune 100 with $22 billion in revenue.

Expanding into India2015
In 2015, Lowe’s continued its global expansion into hardware with the opening of an office in Bangalore, India.

Marvin Ellison Joins Lowe’s2018
Robert Niblock retires and Marvin Ellison becomes President and CEO.

Lowe’s Turns 100! 2021
Lowe’s Inc. marks its centennial by celebrating 100 years of serving its customers and communities.