Our History
Lowe’s has grown from a small-town hardware store in North Carolina to one of the largest home improvement retailers in the world. We have a rich heritage of putting the people we serve at the heart of everything we do. This is our story.
1921
First General Store Opens
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
Jim Lowe Takes Helm
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
Lowe’s of Today is Born
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
Growth in North Carolina
Lowe’s opens its second store, in Sparta, N.C.
1952
Leadership and Growth
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
Growing Stronger
In 1958, Lowe’s reaches 344 associates. Lowe's then shifts focus from DIY customers to Pros.
1961
Lowe’s Goes Public
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
One Million
Lowe’s serves one million customers annually for the first time.
1979
Welcome to NYSE
On December 19, Lowe’s is listed on the New York Stock Exchange.
1981
London Stock Exchange
Lowe’s is listed on the London Stock Exchange as of January 26, 1981.
1982
One Billion
Lowe’s has its first billion-dollar sales year, earning a record profit of $25 million.
1984
Best Company to Work For
Lowe’s is named a “Top 100 Best Companies to Work for in America” by Fortune Magazine.
1995
Entering the Digital Age
In 1995, Lowes.com is launched, marking the company’s entrance into the digital market.
1999
Supporting Associates
In 1999 the Lowe’s Employee Relief Fund is established to help associates through times of significant financial hardship.
2002
Fortune 100
Lowe’s joins for the Fortune 100 for the first time with $22B in revenue.
2014
Expanding to India
In 2014, Lowe’s continues its global approach to hardware and establishes an office in Bangalore, India.
2018
Marvin Ellison Joins Lowe's
Robert Niblock retires and Marvin Ellison becomes president and CEO.
2021
Lowe’s Turns 100!
Lowe’s commemorates its centennial by celebrating 100 years of service to its customers and communities.
Logo Timeline
