Founded in 1921 as a general store in North Carolina, Lowe's grew to become a publicly traded home improvement company with over 1,745 stores across North America and Mexico by expanding throughout the 1950s-1980s and adapting its larger store format in the 1990s. As the second largest home improvement retailer behind Home Depot, Lowe's future plans international growth with 150 Australian stores in 5 years while remaining tied to the housing market, economy, and adapting to customers through technology.

1. Past, Present & Future

2. 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

3. 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

4. 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