Case Analysis-Lowe's

Past, Present & Future

Past

• Founded in 1921 in North Wilkesboro, North Carolina as a general store.

• 1950’s: Expansion throughout North Carolina• 1960’s: Becomes publicly traded company• 1970’s & 80’s: Housing Boom & relationship with

builders lead to Record profits • 1990’s: “Modern” Lowe’s- larger stores, more retail space

Present• 2nd largest Home Improvement Retail chain behind Home Depot• 1,745 stores• Going International• 2007-First store opened in Canada• 2010-First Mexican store opened

• Market Saturation• Wal-Mart, True Value, “Mom & Pop” stores

Future• Heavily linked to Economy• Housing Market• Unemployment rates

• International expansion• 150 Stores planned for Australia within next 5

years• Evolution & Adaptation to business environment• Social Media & Smartphone Apps